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Which works best for stubborn depression? adding a drug, brain stimulation, or switching meds?

NCT ID NCT02977299

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 09, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial studies three approaches for adults with major depression that hasn't responded to standard antidepressants. Participants either add aripiprazole (Abilify) to their current medication, add repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or switch to venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR). The goal is to see which strategy best reduces depressive symptoms and improves quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Aripiprazole, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), venlafaxine XR
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help doctors choose the most effective next-step treatment for people whose depression hasn't improved with standard antidepressants.
What could go wrong
This is a Phase 4 trial comparing existing treatments, so no new breakthrough is expected. Results may show only modest differences between options, and individual responses vary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TREATMENT RESISTANT MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Baylor College of Medicine

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • New York University

    New York, New York, 10003, United States

  • Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

  • Pacific Institute of Medical Research

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

  • Roper St. Francis Hospital

    Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

  • Stanford University

    Stanford, California, 94305, United States

  • The University of Alabama School of Medicine

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States

  • University of British Columbia

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

  • University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45219, United States

  • University of Manitoba St. Boniface Hospital

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 2A6, Canada

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

  • University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida, 33613, United States

  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States

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