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
- NCT06784388RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Deep brain stimulation for tough-to-treat depression
This early trial tests a personalized deep brain stimulation (DBS) approach for people with major depression that hasn't improved with at least two different antidepressants. DBS uses small electrodes placed in the brain to adjust mood-related circuits.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–70 - 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 - NCT06854367Recruiting
Comparing fast vs. standard brain stimulation for depression in older adults
This study tests if a faster form of brain stimulation (accelerated theta burst stimulation) works as well as the standard version for treating depression in adults 60 and older. It may help those who haven't gotten relief from antidepressant medications.
Toronto, OntarioAges 60 years+ - NCT07088380RecruitingPhase 3
Ketamine combined with ECT for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests whether adding ketamine to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) works better than ECT alone for people with depression that hasn't improved with at least two different antidepressants. It may offer a new option for those who have not found relief from standard treatments.
MilanAges 18–70 - NCT07094789Recruiting
Ultrasound therapy for stubborn depression
This trial tests whether a non-invasive ultrasound technique can help people whose depression has not improved with standard treatments. You would receive the ultrasound treatment while having MRI scans to see how your brain changes.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT07108257Recruiting
Focused ultrasound for bipolar depression
This trial uses sound waves guided by MRI to target a small brain area. It aims to help people with bipolar depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT07115329RecruitingPhase 2
Testing Zelquistinel for major depression
This study tests a new oral medication called Zelquistinel (taken as a tablet) against a placebo for treating major depressive disorder. Researchers want to see if it can reduce depression symptoms, especially when other antidepressants haven't been tried or haven't worked.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18–64 - NCT07115628Recruiting
Accelerated TMS for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests an accelerated form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with treatment-resistant depression who have been referred for ECT. It aims to offer a non-invasive, less intensive alternative with fewer side effects.
Jette, Brussels CapitalAges 18–70 - NCT07127913Recruiting
Closed-loop brain stimulation for hard-to-treat bipolar depression
This trial tests a closed-loop deep brain stimulation system for people with bipolar II disorder whose depression has not responded to standard treatments. The device sends targeted electrical pulses to the brain based on real-time activity, aiming to reduce depression symptoms.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT07166289Recruiting
Ultrasound treatment for tough depression
This study uses focused ultrasound to stimulate brain circuits in people with treatment-resistant depression. It aims to see if this can help when other treatments haven't worked.
Tulsa, OklahomaAges 18–65 - NCT07172516RecruitingPhase 3
Study of azetukalner vs placebo for bipolar depression
This trial tests whether the study drug azetukalner can help reduce depression symptoms in people with bipolar I or II disorder who are currently having a depressive episode. You would be randomly assigned to receive either the drug or a placebo (inactive pill) to see which works better.
Tucson, ArizonaAges 18–74 - NCT07183748RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin microdosing plus therapy for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests whether taking very small, repeated doses of psilocybin (a substance found in magic mushrooms) along with talk therapy can help people with depression that hasn't gotten better with other treatments. You'll need to stop your current depression medications and avoid drugs or alcohol for the study period.
BeershebaAges 18–65 - NCT07217223Recruiting
Home-based brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with depression that hasn't improved with medication. It can be done at home using a special headset and an internet connection.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT07264452Recruiting
Comparing two types of accelerated brain stimulation for tough depression
This study compares two fast types of brain stimulation (called accelerated theta burst stimulation) to see which works better for people whose depression hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. It's designed for people with treatment-resistant depression who are already on a stable antidepressant.
ErzurumAges 18–65 - NCT07369102RecruitingPhase 4
Esketamine with or without talk therapy for tough depression
This trial tests if adding a type of talk therapy called integration therapy helps esketamine work better for people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. You'll receive esketamine, and some people also get guided sessions to reflect on their experiences.
San JuanAges 21–65 - NCT02122562RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine treatment for depression that hasn’t responded to care
This Phase 2 study tests ketamine for people with major depression that hasn’t improved after at least one antidepressant. It aims to see whether ketamine can reduce depression symptoms during a current depressive episode.
Iowa City, IowaAges 18–55 - NCT07422519Recruiting
Virtual reality mindfulness for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether using a virtual reality mindfulness program, added to your usual depression care, can help people whose depression hasn't responded to standard treatments.
BarcelonaAges 18–74 - NCT07543328Recruiting
Light therapy added to antidepressants for depression with body symptoms
This study tests whether a special light treatment applied to the scalp (transcranial photobiomodulation) can help people with depression who aren't getting better with antidepressants alone. The light therapy is added to your current medication to see if it reduces both mood symptoms and physical complaints like pain or fatigue.
TaipeiAges 18–65 - NCT05866575Recruiting
Brain-modeling trial to predict depression treatment response
This trial uses computer modeling based on brain measurements to try to predict which depression treatment will work for you. It may help match you with the most effective option faster by understanding your motivation-related brain patterns.
La Tronche, IsèreAges 18 years+ - NCT06788249RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression brain study
This trial tests whether a single dose of ketamine can quickly improve depression by studying brain chemical changes using MRI. It's for people with treatment-resistant depression who haven't used ketamine before.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 25–65 - NCT05905705Recruiting
ECT plus a sleep monitor for treatment-resistant depression
This study looks at how electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) affects brain activity and sleep patterns in people with difficult-to-treat depression. It uses a wearable sleep monitor (the Dreem device) to record sleep while you receive ECT.
St Louis, MissouriAges 21–65 - NCT07745374Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for bipolar depression
This study tests whether deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical treatment that uses electrical pulses to target specific brain areas, is safe and feasible for people with bipolar depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. It may offer a new option for those who have exhausted standard therapies.
New York, New YorkAges 22–70 - NCT04569448RecruitingPhase 3
Brexpiprazole for bipolar depression that won’t improve
This Phase 3 study tests whether brexpiprazole can help treat bipolar depression that has not responded to previous treatments. It compares the study medicine to a placebo (inactive pill) for people with bipolar I or II depression.
Hamilton, OntarioAges 18–75
Hear when a new Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
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.