Clinical trials
Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder clinical trials
Below are recruiting treatment-resistant major depressive disorder clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 71 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT07573176RecruitingPhase 3
Seltorexant for Depression in Adults and Older Adults
This study tests a new medication called seltorexant as a standalone treatment for major depression. The trial is for adults and older adults who have depression that hasn't improved with other antidepressants or who haven't tried them yet.
Bryant, ArkansasAges 18–74 - NCT07716098RecruitingPhase 3
Esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests esketamine nasal spray versus a placebo in adults with depression that has not improved after trying at least two other antidepressants. It aims to see if the spray can help when standard pills have not worked.
Redlands, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06793397RecruitingPhase 3
Study of an experimental psychedelic-like drug for depression (CYB003)
This study tests an investigational medication (CYB003) for people with major depression whose current antidepressant isn't working well enough. It looks at whether this treatment can help improve depression symptoms.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–85 - NCT07065240RecruitingPhase 2
Study of SPT-300 for major depression with or without anxiety
This trial tests an experimental oral medication, SPT-300, for people with major depressive disorder, even if they also have mild anxiety. The goal is to see if it helps improve mood safely.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07226232RecruitingPhase 3
Psilocybin for veterans with treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether psilocybin (a psychedelic substance) can help veterans with depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–75 - NCT06781697RecruitingPhase 3
Ketamine and virtual reality for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests if adding virtual reality to ketamine treatments can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. You'll receive IV ketamine as prescribed by your doctor and also use a virtual reality headset during sessions.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT03887715RecruitingTeam says not enrolling
VNS device for long-term depression that hasn’t improved
This trial studies whether a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device can reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Participants either receive the VNS treatment or a no-stimulation control, to compare safety and effectiveness.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18 years+ - NCT07623135RecruitingPhase 3
Lumateperone for Hard-to-Treat Depression in Older Adults
This study tests lumateperone, a new medication added to your current antidepressant, to help treat depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. It's designed for people age 60 and older who have tried at least two antidepressants without success.
Tucson, ArizonaAges 60 years+ - NCT07284667RecruitingPhase 2
A new medicine for depression that hasn't improved with other treatments
This trial tests a new medicine called ACP-211 in adults with major depression who have not gotten enough relief from at least two previous antidepressants. The goal is to see if it can help when other treatments have not worked well.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–65 - NCT06902298RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Ultrasound brain stimulation for depression
This trial tests a new, non-invasive ultrasound treatment for people with depression who haven't gotten enough relief from at least two prior treatments. It uses sound waves to gently stimulate areas of the brain linked to mood.
Salt Lake City, UtahAges 18–65 - NCT05393622Recruiting
Brain stimulation trial for severe, treatment-resistant depression
This study tests an implanted form of brain stimulation for people with severe depression that has not improved with multiple medication trials. If you qualify, you would have brain scans and surgery planning, then follow a treatment-and-safety plan for several months.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 21–80 - NCT07039370Recruiting
TMS for depression: looking for brain signals of response
This trial tests if brain scans or electrical signals can predict who will get better with TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) for depression. It is for people whose depression did not improve after trying two or more antidepressants.
Ankara, AnkaraAges 18–65 - NCT07748091Recruiting
Brain wave and inflammation markers in shock therapy for depression
This study looks at brain wave patterns and markers of inflammation in people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments and who are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, also known as shock therapy). The goal is to understand how these markers might relate to how well ECT works.
Istanbul, BakırköyAges 18–60 - NCT06518720RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin for Chronic Nerve Pain and Depression
This trial tests whether psilocybin (a psychedelic medication) can help people who have both chronic nerve pain and depression that hasn't responded to standard treatments. The goal is to see if it can reduce pain and improve mood.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT07184619RecruitingPhase 3
Evenamide for hard-to-treat schizophrenia (add-on study)
This trial tests a new medication, evenamide, added to your current antipsychotic treatment. It looks to see if it can help people whose schizophrenia has not responded well to standard therapies.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07569198RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine plus therapy for depression with suicidal thoughts
This study tests whether ketamine (a medication) combined with a specific type of therapy called DBT can help people with treatment-resistant depression and borderline personality disorder who are having thoughts of suicide. You would receive ketamine infusions alongside structured therapy sessions over 6 months.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–70 - NCT07211438RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin with Monitors for Treatment-Resistant Depression
This study tests whether trained monitors improve the safety and outcomes of psilocybin therapy for people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. Participants will receive psilocybin in a supervised setting and will need to temporarily stop other psychiatric medications.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–70 - NCT02994433RecruitingPhase 1
Testing nitrous oxide for depression brain circuit activity
This early study tests whether nitrous oxide, aimed at specific brain circuits, can change depression-related brain activity. It is mainly for adults with major depression or treatment-resistant depression, and includes brain imaging during the study.
St Louis, MissouriAges 18–65 - NCT03973268RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine study to understand treatment response in hard-to-treat depression
This early-stage study tests ketamine and looks at what brain changes may explain why it helps people with major depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatments. You may be asked to stay in the hospital and complete detailed interviews, mood rating scales, and brain imaging.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT04480918Recruiting
Registry for people with depression or bipolar to receive psychiatry care
This is a patient registry that enrolls people being evaluated for treatment options from an Interventional Psychiatry Service. It helps track patients with depression, bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant OCD who are suitable for these psychiatry treatments.
Iowa City, IowaAges 18–99 - NCT04637620RecruitingPhase 2
NMDA-based treatment study for major depression
This Phase 2 trial tests whether an NMDA-targeted treatment can improve symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). You may be able to join if your depression diagnosis and symptom score fit, and you meet several safety and study-following requirements.
TaichungAges 18–55 - NCT05136755RecruitingPhase 2
NMDA treatment for depression that did not improve
This trial studies an NMDA-based treatment for people with major depressive disorder who did not respond to at least one antidepressant. It may help by changing brain signaling linked to depression symptoms.
TaichungAges 18–65 - NCT05377177Recruiting
Brain stimulation type test for suicidal thoughts in depression
This study tests whether stimulating the brain on both sides at once versus one side can reduce suicidal thoughts in people with treatment-resistant depression. It also looks at brain “inhibition” signals to help predict who benefits.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05607654Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatment
This study tests how a specific kind of brain stimulation (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) works for people with depression that has not responded to standard treatments. If you qualify, it may help doctors understand the mechanism and improve options for treatment-resistant depression.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–45
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 71 recruiting treatment-resistant major depressive disorder studies from the U.S. registry, each rewritten for real people, not researchers, so you can see what it’s testing and who it’s for.
- How do I know if I qualify for a treatment-resistant major depressive disorder trial?
- Each study lists its eligibility criteria — rules about age, diagnosis, and prior treatments. On every Clin2 trial page we explain these in words written for real people and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Does it cost anything to join a treatment-resistant major depressive disorder trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what’s covered before you decide.
Related conditions
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.