MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

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 either receive the stronger treatment or continue usual care. The goal is to see if this appro…

This study tests whether adding the experimental drug NBI-1065845 to standard antidepressants can delay the return of depression symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. About 550 participants who have not fully responded to current antidepressants will receive either t…

This study tests whether regular sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help people with treatment-resistant depression maintain the benefits they got from an initial round of rTMS. 75 adults who previously responded to rTMS will receive either standa…

This study tests a long-acting injection of cariprazine given once a month under the skin. It is for people with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or major depressive disorder who are stable on other medications. The goal is to see if the injection is safe, tolerable, and effect…

This study tests whether valbenazine can help people with tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements) who still have symptoms while taking or after stopping another drug. About 50 adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression will take valbenazine for 24 week…

This study looks at whether giving a more intensive medication plan earlier can help people with schizophrenia, major depression, or bipolar depression who didn't get better with their first treatment. About 1,250 adults will be randomly assigned to either the usual next-step tre…

This study aims to find better ways to treat depression in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). About 201 adults with advanced CKD and major depression will receive either behavioral activation therapy, a different antidepressant (bupropion), or a placebo, with the option to…

This study looks at the long-term safety and effectiveness of an experimental drug called NMRA-335140 for people with major depressive disorder. About 1,000 adults who finished a previous related study will take the drug for up to 52 weeks. Researchers will track side effects and…

This study tests a program called Taking Action, where trained peers help college students with serious mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia learn to manage their condition. About 300 students will be randomly assigned to either the program or just…

This study tests whether a 40 Hz flickering light therapy can help ease depression in people with major depressive disorder. Sixty adults will use a light device at home for one hour each day over six weeks. The goal is to see if this light therapy reduces depression symptoms bet…

This study tests whether a 4-week digital brain-training program can reduce apathy (loss of interest or motivation) in adults aged 60 and older with major depression. Participants will use a customized computer program designed to improve brain connections linked to motivation an…

This study tests an experimental oral drug called CYB003 for people with major depressive disorder. The goal is to see if it safely reduces depression symptoms better than a placebo. About 220 adults aged 18 to 85 with moderate to severe depression are being recruited. Participan…

This study tests whether adding NBI-1065845 to standard antidepressants can better ease depression symptoms in adults who haven't gotten enough relief from their current medication. About 200 people will receive either the study drug or a placebo for 8 weeks, and researchers will…

This study is testing whether a faster version of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can safely and effectively reduce symptoms of major depression. About 50 adults and teens who have not responded well to at least one antidepressant will receive accelerated TMS sessions. Re…

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 improve brain function and reduce symptoms. The goal is to help 120 adults with treat…

This study tests an experimental drug, icalcaprant, for people with major depression. About 195 adults will take either the drug or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in depression symptoms and check for side effects.

This study tests whether adding NBI-1065845 to standard antidepressants can better reduce depression symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who haven't improved enough with current medication. About 200 participants will receive either the study drug or a placebo for 8…

This study tests a faster version of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression in pregnant and postpartum individuals. Instead of daily sessions for 6-8 weeks, this accelerated TMS gives multiple treatments each day for just 5 days. The study will enroll 24 people to…

This study tests whether a new oral medication called zelquistinel can reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder in adults. About 164 participants will take either zelquistinel or a placebo once a week for 6 weeks. Researchers will measure depression severity using standard ra…

This study compares two medications, pramipexole and escitalopram, to see which works better for treating major depression in people with HIV. About 186 participants will take one of the drugs for several weeks, and researchers will track mood changes and side effects. The goal i…

This study tests whether adding antidepressant medication (fluoxetine or sertraline) to the Friendship Bench talk therapy helps adults with moderate to severe depression more than talk therapy alone. About 296 adults in Zimbabwe will take part. The goal is to see if the combinati…

This study tests a new way to treat depression by training the brain's emotion center (amygdala) to respond more to positive memories. 200 adults with major depression will use real-time brain scans to learn this skill. The goal is to see if this brain training can reduce depress…

This study tests whether trained peer recovery specialists can effectively deliver a type of talk therapy (Behavioral Activation) to help with depression in people also dealing with substance use disorder. The goal is to make mental health care more accessible for low-income indi…

This early-stage study tests an experimental drug called SP-624 in 36 adults—some healthy and some with major depression. Participants take the drug or a placebo daily for two weeks. Researchers use EEG brain scans and AI to see if SP-624 changes brain activity or improves memory…

This study tests whether using brain scans to guide repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can better treat depression that hasn't improved with medication. About 348 adults aged 22 to 65 with major depressive disorder will receive rTMS, with the stimulation targeted…

This study tests a 12-session group program called "Better Together" for single young adults with severe mental illness (like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression). The program teaches communication, emotional regulation, and healthy relationship skills. Researche…

This study tests a 12-week therapy called Integrated Suicide and Trauma Therapy (ISTT) for adults who had childhood trauma and are currently thinking about suicide. The therapy combines coping skills training with trauma-focused care to reduce suicidal thoughts. The study involve…

This study tests an experimental drug called azetukalner for people with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder. About 450 adults will receive either the drug or a placebo for 6 weeks. The goal is to see if the drug reduces depression symptoms and improves pleasure and inte…

This study tests a new medicine, GM-2505, in 124 adults with major depression. Participants receive two doses two weeks apart. The goal is to see if the drug is safe and helps improve mood, either alone or alongside standard antidepressants.

This early study is testing whether a personalized form of brain stimulation, called tACS, is safe and tolerable for pregnant women with depression. The treatment uses a mild electrical current to gently stimulate the brain based on each person's unique brain activity. The goal i…

This study looks at whether doing moderate aerobic exercise right before a therapy session helps people with major depression get more out of their treatment. One hundred adults will either exercise or rest quietly before each of 8 weekly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessio…

This study tests a new one-session treatment for people with major depression that hasn't improved with standard care. It combines a type of brain stimulation (called iTBS) with psychotherapy, and some participants also get a second type of brain stimulation or a placebo. The mai…

This study looks at whether a type of therapy called Behavioral Activation (BA) can help people with depression break the habit of repetitive negative thinking (rumination). About 120 adults with current major depression will receive 12 therapy sessions over 11 weeks. Researchers…

This study tests if shining a special invisible light on the forehead can change blood flow in the brains of people with major depression. About 120 adults aged 18-65 with depression will receive the light treatment. Researchers will measure brain blood flow with MRI and track mo…

This study tests whether baricitinib, a drug that blocks JAK signaling, can improve motivation and brain function in people with major depression who have high inflammation. About 100 adults aged 25-55 with depression and elevated C-reactive protein will receive the drug or place…

This study tests whether a 16-week resistance exercise program can reduce symptoms of major depression in 200 adults. Participants will be assigned to either a high or low dose of weight training. The goal is to see if exercise improves mood and brain blood flow, offering a new t…

This study looks at whether minocycline, an antibiotic that also fights inflammation, can help people who have both obesity and depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Researchers will test if the approach is practical and acceptable for 35 participants. The goal i…

This study tests whether an 8-week mindful self-compassion program works as well when delivered by video as it does in person. About 80 adults with anxiety disorders or major depression will take part. Researchers will measure changes in symptoms like worry, sadness, and self-cri…

This study tests whether adding ketamine to an online therapy program can quickly reduce suicidal thoughts in people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. About 110 adults will receive weekly online therapy for 13 weeks, and half will also get six ketamine i…

This study tests whether empagliflozin, a diabetes medication, can reduce symptoms of major depression. The drug helps the body produce ketones, which may provide an alternative energy source for the brain and improve mood. Researchers will enroll 16 adults with moderate to sever…

This study tests whether adding ABX-002 to current antidepressant medication can better reduce depression symptoms in adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder who haven't responded well enough to their existing treatment. About 230 participants will receive either…

This study tests whether a combination of IV ketamine and nasal esketamine can safely reduce suicidal thoughts in people with severe depression. About 100 adults hospitalized for depression will receive the treatments over 24 weeks. The main goals are to see if the treatment is p…

This study tests whether a natural hormone called pregnenolone can improve depression and brain function in people living with HIV. About 120 adults with HIV and depression will take either pregnenolone or a placebo pill for several weeks, while continuing their usual antidepress…

This study tests whether the drug vortioxetine can safely reduce depression symptoms in Japanese teenagers aged 12 to 17 with major depressive disorder. About 180 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo daily for 14 weeks, with follow-up for 4 more weeks. The goal …

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can safely reduce depression in autistic youth aged 16–24. About 80 participants will receive either real or sham rTMS over several weeks. The goal is to see if this treatment, already used for depres…

This study tests an experimental oral medication called DT120 for adults with major depressive disorder. About 165 participants will receive either DT120 or a placebo for 12 weeks, followed by a 40-week period where everyone can take the drug. The main goal is to see if DT120 red…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve both depression and chronic pain symptoms. Fifty-four adults with moderate depression and pain will receive 30 sessions of active treatment, along with surveys, blood draws, MRIs, and EEGs…

This study tests a new, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called temporal interference stimulation (TIS) to see if it can reduce non-suicidal self-injury (like cutting) in teenagers with major depression. Sixty adolescents aged 12-22 will receive either real TIS or a sham …

This study explores whether nature-based tourism activities can improve symptoms in people with major depressive disorder. Researchers will measure changes in mood, thinking, and social function in 86 adults aged 18-59. The goal is to see if time in nature can be a helpful additi…

This study aims to find out if the antidepressant effect of DMT comes from the psychedelic experience or from biological changes in the brain. Researchers will give DMT to 112 adults with major depression, using propofol to mask the experience in some participants. The goal is to…

This study tests whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can improve mood in 116 people with major depression who are also overweight or obese. Participants will receive either semaglutide or a placebo once a week for 26 weeks, in addition to their usual de…

This study tests an experimental drug called zelquistinel (GATE-251) to see if it can reduce depression symptoms in adults. About 164 people with major depression will take either the drug or a placebo pill once a week for 6 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in depression s…

This study tests whether tocilizumab, a drug that blocks inflammation, can help people with major depression who have lost interest in things they used to enjoy. About 60 adults with depression and signs of high inflammation will receive the drug for 8 weeks. Researchers will use…

This study compares a new, lower-energy seizure therapy (LAP-ST) to standard electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for quickly reducing suicidal thoughts in people with depression, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. The goal is to see if the new treatment works as well or b…

This study tests the long-term safety of an experimental drug called NBI-1065845 when added to standard antidepressants for people with major depression. About 850 adults who haven't gotten enough relief from current treatments will take the drug for up to a year. The main goal i…

This study tests whether a new drug called NBI-1065845 can improve depression symptoms in adults who still feel depressed despite taking standard antidepressants. About 200 participants will receive either the study drug or a placebo pill alongside their usual medication for 8 we…

This study compares two brain stimulation treatments—electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and magnetic seizure therapy (MST)—in 200 people with major depressive disorder. Researchers will measure changes in depression and anxiety symptoms, heart rate, and cognitive function to see whi…

This study tests whether a faster, personalized version of brain stimulation (rTMS) is safe and practical for people hospitalized with severe depression. Thirty adults who haven't improved with standard treatments will receive up to 25 sessions over two weeks, with the stimulatio…

This study tests whether giving psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) followed by a type of brain stimulation called aiTBS is safe and can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. About 100 adults aged 22-65 with treatment-resistant …

This study tests an experimental drug called azetukalner in 450 adults with moderate-to-severe major depression. Participants take the drug or a placebo daily for 6 weeks to see if it reduces depression symptoms like low mood and loss of interest. The goal is to find a new treatm…

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation method called deep TMS in 28 adults over 60 who have Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment along with depression that hasn't improved with medication. The treatment uses a special coil to stimulate deeper brain areas fo…

This study tests a new type of talk therapy that helps people with depression correct how they see themselves. It compares this therapy to a standard approach called ACT. The goal is to see if it reduces depression symptoms and prevents relapse over 6 months. About 86 adults with…

This study looks at whether adding a structured exercise program to standard antidepressant treatment can improve symptoms of major depression. Researchers will also use brain scans and blood tests to understand how exercise might reduce inflammation and change brain activity. Ab…

This study follows 500 adults with depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide risk who are already receiving care. Researchers will use interviews, questionnaires, and optional tests like blood draws and brain scans to track how symptoms change over time. The goal is to find better…

This study aims to understand how the brain processes rewards in people with depression. Researchers will record brain activity from specific areas in 10 adults with epilepsy and depression while they make decisions in a gambling task. The goal is to identify abnormal brain signa…

This study looks at how childhood trauma and stress might change tiny genetic molecules called microRNAs in the blood. Researchers hope these changes can help explain why some people develop depression or suicidal thoughts. 450 adults aged 18-60 with or without depression will gi…

This study looks at how nicotine changes brain activity in people with major depressive disorder compared to those without. Researchers will use MRI scans and tasks to measure brain function after giving participants either nicotine or a placebo. The goal is to understand why peo…

This study looks at how reacting strongly to daily stress might harm blood vessel function in adults aged 18-55, both with and without major depression. Researchers will measure stress responses through daily diaries and test blood vessel health using a simple heat and medicine t…

This study looks at whether a child's genes can predict if they will have a rare but serious side effect from common antidepressants (SSRIs) called behavioral disinhibition, which can cause agitation or impulsivity. Researchers will collect saliva samples from 120 children and yo…

This study uses MRI brain scans to see if psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) changes brain activity in areas that control mood. 50 adults with depression will receive either psilocybin or a placebo during two therapy sessions, and their brains will be scanned r…

This study looks at how two different talk therapies help people with major depression. One therapy focuses on a person's weaknesses, the other on their strengths. Researchers want to see which approach works best for different people. 124 adults will take part in a 4-month treat…

This study uses a safe, noninvasive light-based technique called fNIRS to measure brain activity in 200 adults with depression, bipolar disorder, or mild cognitive impairment. Researchers will compare brain patterns across groups and link them to symptom severity. The goal is to …

This study aims to see if a special algorithm can predict which antidepressant will work best for each person with major depression. Researchers will use brain scans, EEGs, blood tests, and questionnaires from 400 adults to personalize treatment. The goal is to improve outcomes b…

This study aims to understand how repetitive brain stimulation (TMS) changes brain activity. Researchers will use special brain recordings from people with epilepsy or depression to find markers that show TMS is working. The goal is to use these markers to make TMS more effective…

This study looks at whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique can improve the ability to seek and enjoy rewards in people with depression who have lost interest in things (anhedonia). Researchers will give 72 adults with depression five days of stimulation and measure ch…

This study looks at how ketamine reduces suicidal thoughts in people with depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. Researchers want to see if blocking a specific brain receptor (AMPA) stops ketamine from working. 30 adults with current suicidal thoughts will receive ketamine with e…

This study looks at how brain activity and thinking patterns relate to anxiety in children aged 8 to 17. Researchers will use brain scans and cognitive tasks to compare anxious children with healthy ones, and track changes over a year of standard treatments like therapy or medica…

This study aims to understand how ketamine works in the brain to quickly treat depression. Researchers will use brain scans, blood tests, and other measures in 150 adults with major depression and healthy volunteers. The goal is to find out why a single dose works fast but briefl…

This study aims to understand how deep brain stimulation (DBS) affects brain signals in people with severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Ten participants will have a DBS device implanted that can both stimulate and record brain activity. Researchers will …

This study aims to find the brain areas responsible for depression in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will use brain scans to compare 120 participants aged 40-80, including those with and without depression. The goal is to identify targets for future treatments, not …

This study looks at how natural hormone changes during the menstrual cycle affect mood in women whose depression worsens before their period. Researchers will give participants hormones or a placebo to see if stabilizing hormone levels helps with pleasure and reward sensitivity. …

This study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS to see how stimulating specific brain networks changes mood, thinking, and brain activity. Researchers will compare results from people with major depression and healthy volunteers. The goal is to understand h…

This study looks at why some people develop depression after a mild or moderate COVID-19 infection. Researchers will use brain scans to compare brain activity in 90 adults who have new depression after COVID-19. The goal is to better understand the brain changes involved, not to …

This study follows up to 10,000 medical students in Orleans, France, for up to 22 years to understand what leads to depression and other mental health problems. Researchers will compare students who enter medical school with those who don't, using yearly questionnaires. The goal …

This study follows 1,000 adults with hard-to-treat depression or OCD who receive advanced treatments like brain stimulation or ketamine. Researchers will collect data from brain scans, cognitive tests, and voice recordings to find markers that predict which treatment works best f…

This study looks at how the natural rhythm of connection between people—called synchrony—might be key to treating depression. Instead of assuming more synchrony is always better, researchers will track each person's unique synchrony pattern and see how it changes during therapy. …

This study uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to map brain circuits in people with depression, OCD, anxiety, or schizophrenia. Researchers will stimulate different parts of the prefrontal cortex and test how it changes behavior. The goal is to understand which brain cir…

This study is looking for genetic markers that may predict which children and youth (ages 6-24) with depression, anxiety, or OCD will experience behavioral activation—a side effect of SSRI antidepressants like Prozac or Zoloft. Researchers will compare the DNA of 160 participants…

This study tests a technique called real-time fMRI neurofeedback, which lets people see their own brain activity on a screen while inside an MRI scanner. The goal is to help 70 adults with major depression learn to better regulate brain activity, which may improve their symptoms.…

This study is testing whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve executive functions—like memory, attention, and decision-making—in people with various neuropsychiatric conditions. Researchers will enroll 600 adults with diagnoses such as traumatic…

This study looks at how stress affects the brain, body, and behavior in teenage girls who have a parent with depression. Researchers will use brain scans, smartphone surveys, and smartwatches to track stress responses in real time. The goal is to find early signs that could predi…

This study looks at different types of depression by tracking how people manage their emotions in daily life using a wearable device. Researchers will test if a simple biofeedback exercise (like guided breathing) can improve emotional control. The goal is to find which people ben…

This study looks at how a specific brain system (nociceptin) works in people with current or past major depression. Researchers will use brain scans, blood and saliva tests, and decision-making tasks to understand depression better. The goal is to find new ways to predict and tre…

This study compares how the brain and immune system react to a mild, temporary inflammatory trigger in 90 people with major depression and 90 healthy volunteers. Participants receive either an immune-stimulating substance or a placebo, and researchers measure changes in mood, bra…

This study aims to understand how the brain processes negative emotions and test whether personalized brain stimulation can disrupt these patterns. Researchers will use brain scans to create a map of each participant's negative emotions, then test different types of magnetic stim…

This study aims to improve depression treatment by finding better ways to measure brain excitability using a technique called TMS. Researchers at Stanford will enroll 145 adults with moderate-to-severe major depression. The goal is to see if optimizing the stimulation target can …

This study aims to find brain biomarkers that can predict how individuals with major depression will respond to the antidepressant sertraline (Zoloft). Researchers will use fMRI and EEG to measure brain activity and connections in 50 adults with chronic or recurrent depression. P…

This study looks at how a 9-week therapy called Engage & Connect changes brain activity related to social rewards in adults aged 50-80 who have depression and suicidal thoughts. Researchers will use brain scans to measure changes in areas linked to positive feelings. The goal is …

This study looks at whether treating depression with an FDA-approved antidepressant (escitalopram) can change brain and blood markers linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will compare the drug to a placebo in 60 adults aged 60 and older who have major depression but no memo…

This study aims to understand the brain circuits involved in social motivation in adults who avoid social situations due to depression or social anxiety. Researchers will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and MRI scans to measure brain activity while participants view e…

This study looks at how ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant, works in the brain. Researchers want to see if blocking a specific receptor (AMPA) changes ketamine's effects. About 70 adults with treatment-resistant depression will stay at the clinic for 5 weeks, receive ketamine…