TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION

This study follows 500 people with treatment-resistant depression who receive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy, an implanted device that sends electrical pulses to the vagus nerve. Researchers will track how many patients see a 50% or greater improvement in depression scores…

This study is testing whether combining internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (i-CBT) with intravenous ketamine can quickly reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people with treatment-resistant depression. All 110 participants will receive weekly i-CBT for 13 weeks, an…

This study tests whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help people with severe depression that hasn't improved with multiple treatments. Researchers will implant a device that sends electrical pulses to a specific brain area. The trial includes 100 adults and compares active s…

This study tests a device that stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck to treat depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. About 6,800 people will either get the active implant or a sham device. Researchers will track depression symptoms over 12 months to see if the sti…

This study tests deep brain stimulation (DBS) in 20 people with severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. The device delivers electrical pulses to a brain region called the subcallosal cingulate, which may reset mood circuits. Researchers will record brain sig…

This study tests whether reducing the frequency of rTMS sessions can maintain the antidepressant effect in people with treatment-resistant depression who already responded to daily rTMS. 75 participants will receive either standard maintenance, clustered, or sham rTMS over 6 mont…

This early study tests if deep brain stimulation (DBS) is safe and effective for people with severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Twenty adults will have a device implanted in their brain and be monitored for five years. The device will be turned on and o…

This study tests whether a device that shines 40 Hz flickering light can help reduce depression symptoms. Sixty adults with major depression will use the device at home for one hour each day over six weeks. Half will get the active flickering light, and half will get a sham light…

This study tests whether using a brain scan (fMRI) to guide magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can better treat depression that hasn't improved with medication. About 348 adults aged 22-65 with major depression will receive rTMS, and researchers will track changes in depression scores. …

This study tests whether electrical stimulation on the surface of the brain's frontal area can ease severe depression in people who haven't gotten better with other treatments. Participants will have a pacemaker-like device surgically placed under the scalp to deliver mild pulses…

This trial tests a new, accelerated form of brain stimulation for people with severe depression that hasn't improved with medication. Over five days, 78 participants will receive 25 sessions of magnetic stimulation, either targeting a standard brain area or a new one, or a sham (…

This study is for adults aged 22-65 with major depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Researchers want to see if giving psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) followed by a quick, focused brain stimulation technique is safe and can help reduce depre…

This study tests whether very small, repeated doses of psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) combined with talk therapy can safely reduce depression symptoms in people who haven't gotten better with standard treatments. Twenty adults aged 18-65 with treatment-resi…

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called accelerated theta burst stimulation to reduce suicidal thoughts in people with treatment-resistant depression. About 76 adults will receive either bilateral or unilateral stimulation to see which works better. The…

This study tests whether a 6-week intensified drug treatment can help people with major depression who did not get better on their first antidepressant. About 418 adults aged 18–65 will receive either the stronger treatment or usual care. The goal is to reduce depression symptoms…

This study tests a type of talk therapy called schema therapy for people whose depression has lasted a long time or hasn't gotten better with medication. 129 participants will either get 30 sessions of schema therapy or standard psychotherapy. The goal is to see if schema therapy…

This study compares two forms of ketamine—Spravato (a nasal spray) and standard racemic ketamine (given as an infusion)—in 162 adults with treatment-resistant depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to one treatment and will complete questionnaires about mood, side eff…

This early-stage study tests whether psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) combined with talk therapy can safely help autistic adults with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Twenty participants will receive two doses of psilocybin along with ab…

This study tests a new nasal spray called BPL-003, combined with psychological support, in 64 people with treatment-resistant depression (depression that hasn't improved with at least two prior medications). The goal is to see if it's safe and how it affects mood. Participants wi…

This phase 3 trial tests whether adding a low dose of ketamine to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can better relieve depression and reduce memory problems in people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Thirty hospitalized adults will receive either ketamine or a pl…

This study compares two types of talk therapy—CBASP and Behavioral Activation—for adults with long-lasting depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. About 396 inpatients will receive 16 weeks of one therapy to see which works better and why. The goal is to find more …

This study tests a new medicated film placed inside the cheek (VLS-01) for people whose depression hasn't improved with at least two other treatments. About 142 adults aged 18-65 will receive either the film or a placebo to see if it safely eases depression symptoms. The goal is …

This study tests a new approach for people with depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments. It combines a type of brain stimulation called iTBS with digital mindfulness training to help improve mood and thinking skills. About 120 adults with moderate to severe depre…

This study tests whether a precise type of radiation, called stereotactic radiotherapy, can safely reduce symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression. Nine adults aged 18 to 50 who have not improved after at least two antidepressant trials will receive the treatment. R…

This study is a registry that will follow up to 1,000 adults with treatment-resistant depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or ketamine/esketamine. Researchers will collect data from…

This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound can temporarily change brain activity in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers will scan participants' brains before and after ultrasound to see how it affects mood-related circuits. The goal is not to tr…

This study aims to understand how the brain processes social and emotional information in people with treatment-resistant depression or epilepsy. Researchers will use special electrodes placed inside the brain to record activity while participants perform mood-related tasks. The …

This study follows 500 adults already receiving care for depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide risk at the NIH. Researchers will conduct weekly interviews and optional tests like blood draws and brain scans to track symptoms and treatment responses. The goal is to better under…

This study uses brain imaging (PET scans) to explore how psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, affects brain connections in adults with treatment-resistant depression. Twelve participants will receive psilocybin, with or without risperidone, to see if changes in s…

This study aims to understand why some people with depression don't get better with standard medications. Researchers will use brain scans to compare dopamine receptors in 45 people: those with treatment-resistant depression, those whose depression responds to treatment, and heal…

This study looks at how electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) affects brain connections and sleep in 50 people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers will measure brain activity during sleep and wakefulness to understand how ECT works. The goal is to learn more, not to test a…

This study looks at how the brain handles negative beliefs in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers will use brain scans to see how these beliefs change after a single dose of ketamine. The goal is to understand why some depressed patients hold onto negative tho…