MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

This study tested a therapy called BE-SMART-DR in 65 teens and young adults with bipolar disorder or major depression who had suicidal thoughts or past attempts. The therapy teaches self-guided strategies to regularize sleep and daily rhythms to reduce short-term suicide risk. Pa…

This study looked at the long-term safety of the drug BHV-7000 in 233 adults with major depressive disorder. Participants had already completed an earlier study of the drug. The main goal was to track serious side effects, lab changes, and heart rhythm issues. The study did not t…

This early-phase study tested whether a single infusion of donor stem cells is safe for people struggling with both alcohol use disorder and major depression. 31 adults received either stem cells or a placebo, and researchers monitored for serious side effects like suicidal thoug…

This study tested a program called Metacognitive Training (MCT) in 18 Taiwanese adults with schizophrenia, major depression, or bipolar disorder. Over four weeks, participants attended eight group sessions aimed at reducing unhelpful thinking patterns linked to symptoms like delu…

This study tested a new way to treat depression by combining brain stimulation (rTMS) with talk therapy. Researchers used MRI scans to find the best spot in each person's brain to target. 32 adults with major depression took part in daily sessions for 6 weeks. The goal was to see…

This study tested whether celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory drug, can reduce brain inflammation in people with major depression. 41 adults with depression received PET scans before and after 8 weeks of celecoxib treatment. The goal was to see if lowering inflammation in key brain a…

This study tested an experimental oral medication, NMRA-335140, against a placebo in 383 adults with major depressive disorder. Participants took the drug or placebo daily for 6 weeks to see if it reduced depression symptoms like sadness, low energy, and loss of interest. The goa…

This study tested whether giving primary care doctors access to an online cognitive behavior therapy program helps patients with major depression in rural West Virginia and Kentucky. Over 1,200 adults who recently started depression treatment took part. Researchers measured depre…

This small pilot study tested whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, combined with psychological support could help people with treatment-resistant depression who have lost the ability to feel pleasure (anhedonia). Twenty adults with major depressive disord…

This study tested whether doing moderate aerobic exercise right before a therapy session (called ActiveCBT) helps people with major depression get more out of their treatment compared to resting before therapy (CalmCBT). Forty adults with depression took part in 8 weekly therapy …

This study tested whether a device that sends mild electrical currents to the brain (tDCS) can help ease depression symptoms when used at home. 174 adults with major depression used the device or a fake version for 10 weeks. The goal was to see if real stimulation reduced depress…

This study tested a new type of room lighting that changes brightness and color throughout the day to mimic natural sunlight. 60 adults hospitalized for major depression were randomly assigned to either a room with this dynamic LED light or standard hospital lighting. The goal wa…

This study tested a new drug called SEP-363856 in 929 adults with major depression who had not gotten better with at least one antidepressant. Participants took either the new drug or a placebo alongside their current antidepressant for several weeks. The goal was to see if the n…

This study tested whether low-dose ketamine can quickly reduce depression in teenagers (ages 13-19) whose depression did not improve with at least two standard antidepressants. The trial was small, with 12 participants, and compared ketamine to a placebo. The goal was to see if k…

This study tested an experimental drug called AGN-241751 in 226 adults with major depressive disorder. The goal was to see if it safely reduces depression symptoms better than a placebo. Participants received either the drug or a placebo, and their depression levels were measured…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation method called theta burst stimulation (TBS) can help people with major depression who haven't responded well to standard treatments. 238 adults with moderate to severe depression received either real TBS or a sham (fake) …

This study tested whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) — a hands-on therapy using gentle pressure and stretching — can help reduce symptoms of major depression. Twenty-five adults with depression received weekly 30-minute OMT sessions for 8 weeks. Researchers measured…

This study tested whether a special type of heated yoga (hyperthermic yoga) can help reduce symptoms of depression. 80 adults with mild to moderate depression were randomly assigned to either take yoga classes twice a week or join a waitlist. Researchers measured how acceptable a…

This study tested whether very small, non-hallucinogenic doses of psilocybin (2 mg) are safe and can improve mood in 39 adults with major depressive disorder. Participants took the microdose and reported changes in depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms. The goal was to see i…

This study tested a new drug, centanafadine, for adults with major depression who hadn't responded well to at least one prior treatment. 337 people took either the new drug alone, the new drug plus a standard antidepressant, or a placebo. The goal was to see if centanafadine coul…

This study tested an experimental drug called ALTO-100 in 301 adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. Some participants took the drug alone or with their current antidepressant, while others took a placebo. The main goal was to see if ALTO-100 could reduce depre…

This study tested whether a specially designed video game could reduce depression symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. Over 1,000 participants played the game for 12 weeks, and researchers measured changes in their mood using standard questionnaires. The goal was to…

This study tested whether a natural brain steroid called pregnenolone could reduce depression symptoms in women going through menopause or perimenopause. 73 women aged 40-67 took either pregnenolone or a placebo for a set period. The main goal was to see if the treatment led to a…

This study tested an experimental drug called SPN-820 in 40 adults with major depressive disorder. The goal was to see if the drug safely reduces depression symptoms. Researchers measured changes in mood and daily function over time using standard depression rating scales.

This study tested a new oral medication, GM-1020, in 46 adults with major depressive disorder. The goal was to check safety and see if it can quickly improve mood. Researchers measured side effects and depression scores over 24 hours to assess the drug's potential.

This small study tested a single dose of psilocybin in 9 adults with both major depression and borderline personality disorder. Researchers measured changes in depression and BPD symptoms over time to see if the treatment was safe and helpful. The goal was to ease symptoms, not c…

This study tested a type of talk therapy called interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for women who had major depression after losing a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth. About 199 women in Michigan took part. The goal was to see if IPT helps them recover from depression f…

This study tested two anesthetic drugs, propofol and a mix called ketofol, in 80 adults with major depression receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The goal was to see which drug keeps blood pressure more stable after the procedure. Results may help doctors choose the safer …

This early study tested whether combining psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) with cognitive behavioral therapy is safe and helpful for people with major depression. Sixteen adults received two doses of psilocybin along with 12 therapy sessions. The goal was to …

This small pilot study tested whether laughing gas (nitrous oxide) can improve mood in people with major depression. Eleven participants received either laughing gas or a sedative (midazolam), and researchers used MRI brain scans to look for changes in brain activity. The goal wa…

This study tested a program called IPS-MA, which helps people with mood or anxiety disorders find and keep a job or return to school. 326 adults who were unable to work within three months took part. The program was added to their usual care to see if it helped them recover and r…

This study tested an experimental drug called ALTO-203 in 69 adults with moderate major depressive disorder and anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure). Participants received either a low dose, a higher dose, or a placebo, and were monitored for mood changes and side effects ove…

This study looked at whether psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) alone or combined with talk therapy (CBT) can help people with major depression. Sixty adults with depression continued their usual medications and received either psilocybin, CBT, or both. Researc…

This study looked at whether taking aspirin and ketamine by mouth at the same time can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Fifteen adults with treatment-resistant depression received the combination alongside their usual antidepressant. The mai…

This study tested whether customizing the frequency and location of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS could better treat depression that hasn't responded to medication. 75 adults with moderate-to-severe depression received either fully personalized, partially…

This study looked at whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help improve cognitive function in adults with major depressive disorder who are also overweight. 72 participants took either semaglutide or a placebo alongside their usual depression treatmen…

This study tested a 10-week telehealth program that combines cognitive training with problem-solving therapy for veterans who have major depression and a history of suicide attempts. The goal was to see if the program is practical and helpful in reducing depression and improving …

This study looked at whether a psychological treatment can help people who get stuck in repetitive negative thinking, like worries, mental rituals, or depressive rumination. 65 adults with OCD, generalized anxiety, or major depression took part. The goal was to see if treatment c…

This study tested two treatments—electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and intravenous ketamine—in 70 adults whose depression did not improve with standard medications. Over three weeks, researchers measured changes in mood and thinking skills to see which treatment worked better and w…

This study tested a new drug called ropanicant in 41 adults with moderate to severe major depression. Researchers wanted to see if the drug is safe and if it helps reduce depression symptoms. The study was open-label, meaning everyone knew they were getting the drug, and it laste…

This study tested a non-drug treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depression in people over 60. The goal was to see if this safe, side-effect-free method could reduce depressive symptoms. 108 older adults with major depression received either r…

This study tested whether using a virtual reality headset to do enjoyable activities could help ease depression symptoms. 26 adults with major depressive disorder took part. Researchers compared the virtual reality approach to doing similar activities in real life to see which wa…

This study tested a new virtual reality (VR) treatment called VR-Moodboost for teenagers with depression. The goal was to increase positive feelings and reduce depressive symptoms. Twelve adolescents aged 15-23 completed 12 weekly VR sessions with a therapist. Early results sugge…

This study tested whether using a person's DNA to choose an antidepressant works better than standard care for cancer patients with depression or anxiety. About 99 adults with cancer took part. Researchers compared changes in mood and quality of life between those who got DNA-gui…

This study looked at whether combining internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) works better than TMS alone for people with major depressive disorder. Forty adults received either TMS plus iCBT or TMS alone. The goal was to s…

This study tested a new way of using mild electrical currents on the scalp (tDCS) to treat depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. Only 3 people took part, and the main goal was to see if the approach was safe and doable. The treatment involved stronger and more fre…

This study looked at how well valbenazine works for tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition causing uncontrollable movements often linked to long-term use of certain mental health medications. Fifty-nine adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression took valbenazi…

This early study tested whether a faster schedule of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could work for major depression. Normally, TMS requires daily visits for weeks, but this study compressed the schedule. 11 adults with depression tried the accelerated approach, and resea…

This study tested whether a single therapy (Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy) can effectively treat veterans with PTSD, major depression, or panic disorder, compared to using separate therapies for each condition. 304 veterans participated, and their symptoms were measured before…

This study looked at whether adding the drug lumateperone to standard antidepressants is safe for people with major depressive disorder. Over 800 adults took the combination for 26 weeks, and researchers tracked side effects and mood changes. The goal was to see if this add-on th…

This early study tested an experimental drug called ENX-104 in 48 adults with major depressive disorder who also experience anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure). The main goal was to check the drug's safety and how the body processes it. Researchers measured side effects and …

This study tested whether adding whole-body hyperthermia (a treatment that safely raises body temperature) to standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could help adults with major depression. Thirty participants received either real or sham heat sessions alongside weekly thera…

This study tested a new way of using deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (Deep TMS) to treat major depression. 104 adults received either the new or standard stimulation protocol. The goal was to see if the new method is as safe and effective at reducing depression symptoms ov…

This study tested whether listening to a 30-minute selection of baroque music could reduce anxiety in 18 adults with major depressive disorder and anxiety symptoms. Participants listened to pieces chosen to represent a journey from tension to calm. The main goal was to see if anx…

This Phase 3 trial tested whether solriamfetol, a drug already used for sleep disorders, can safely improve mood in adults with major depression. 346 participants received either the drug or a placebo. Researchers measured depression symptoms and side effects to see if this appro…

This study tested an experimental drug called NBI-1070770 in 73 adults with major depressive disorder. The goal was to see if it could safely and quickly improve depression symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants continued their usual antidepressants during the trial.

This study tested a new medication called BHV-7000 in 336 adults with moderate to severe major depression. Participants stopped their usual antidepressants and took either the study drug or a placebo for 6 weeks. The main goal was to see if BHV-7000 reduces depression symptoms be…

This study tested whether a smartphone app that tracks how you type can help monitor mood and thinking problems in people with mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. About 132 adults aged 25-50 participated. The goal was to see if typing patterns could predict sympto…

This study looked at whether video recordings of people's faces and voices can help measure mood in a more continuous and objective way. Eleven adults with depression and epilepsy took part. Researchers compared these audio-video signals with brain activity and mood ratings to se…

This study followed 300 pregnant women with and without mood disorder histories to uncover why some develop postpartum depression or psychosis. Researchers collected genetic, hormonal, and environmental data like sleep and stress to identify risk factors. The goal is to eventuall…

This study looked at whether schema therapy, a type of talk therapy, can help people with depression that hasn't gotten better with standard treatments. Two patients received 30 therapy sessions over about a year. The goal was to see if this approach is practical and to learn how…

This study explored whether treating a common virus (CMV) with an antiviral drug (valganciclovir) could improve depression symptoms and brain health. Twenty adults with major depression who tested positive for CMV took either the drug or a placebo for 8 weeks. Researchers measure…

This study looked at 228 adults with major depression and healthy volunteers to see if blood levels of natural brain compounds and genetic markers differ between the groups. Participants took a standard antidepressant for 8 weeks while researchers tracked mood, memory, and change…

This study looked at whether brain insulin resistance plays a role in depression during adolescence. Researchers used MRI scans to compare brain activity in teens with and without depression after giving them insulin or a placebo through the nose. The goal was to better understan…

This study looked at whether treating depression in caregivers (parents or guardians) of children with asthma could improve the child's asthma control and quality of life. Over one year, 205 caregivers with major depression and their children (ages 7-17) with persistent asthma we…

This study looked at whether a digital training platform helps clinicians use a smartphone app called FOCUS to support people with serious mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 191 adults used the app and received coaching from trained clinicians. The goal was to…

This study aimed to find out which antidepressant works best for people with depression and loss of interest (anhedonia) by using brain scans and behavior tests. 133 adults with major depression took part. The goal was to predict the best treatment before starting medication, usi…

This study followed 100 healthy girls aged 12-14 and their mothers for six months to see if brain activity and genetics can predict depression. The girls had interviews, computer tasks, saliva tests, and an fMRI brain scan. The goal was to understand early warning signs, not to t…

This completed pilot study looked at how everyday stress might harm blood vessels and thinking skills in middle-aged adults (40-55 years old). Seventeen participants tracked their stress online for 14 days, then had their blood vessel function tested in a lab. The goal was to see…

This study looked at how a gentle nerve stimulation device (tVNS) affects the brain's stress response in people with major depression. Researchers tested 62 adults, comparing active stimulation to a sham (fake) version while scanning their brains. The goal was to see if the effec…

This study looked at how social factors like income, housing, and stress, along with depression, affect blood vessel health in 105 low-income racial and ethnic minority adults. Participants completed questionnaires about their mental health, social needs, and lifestyle. The goal …

This study tested whether personalizing the location of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) based on an individual's brain network could improve its effects on depression. Fifty adults with major depression received a single session of TMS targeted to their central executive …

This small pilot study tested whether people with major depression who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods could reduce them. 20 participants tried a personalized diet change. The goal was to see if this approach is feasible and acceptable, not to measure mood effects directly.

This study looked at how ghrelin, a hormone made in the stomach that makes you feel hungry, affects the brain's reward system and motivation. Researchers gave ghrelin or a saltwater placebo to 26 healthy volunteers and people with depression, then used brain scans and effort task…

This study looked at how the brain's reward system helps improve mood in people with depression. Researchers used brain stimulation and special pills to change brain signals and see how mood changed. 120 adults with depression took part to help understand these brain processes be…

This study interviewed 12 people with long-term, severe depression who were offered a group exercise program. Researchers wanted to understand what helps or hinders someone from taking part. The goal is to make exercise programs more appealing and accessible for people with serio…

This study looked at whether certain proteins, called beta-arrestins, can help predict how well people with major depression will respond to the antidepressant venlafaxine. Researchers measured these proteins in blood samples from 67 depressed patients and 20 healthy volunteers o…

This study looked for biological signs (biomarkers) that could help predict suicide risk in people with major depression. Researchers used brain scans to measure how the brain processes pain, reward, and attention. 97 adults with depression took part, but no treatment was given. …

This early-stage study tested a single dose of the experimental drug AGN-241751 (zelquistinel) in 68 healthy adults to see if it is safe and how the body processes it. The main goal was to check for side effects, and the study also measured drug levels in the blood. This trial di…

This study looked at how ghrelin, a hormone made in the stomach that signals hunger, affects motivation, energy use, and mood. Researchers gave ghrelin or a saltwater injection to 24 people with depression and healthy volunteers. They measured how hard people worked for food or m…

This study looked at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) influences the way people approach or avoid difficult decisions. Researchers tested 13 adults with DBS implants for severe depression or OCD, plus epilepsy patients with temporary brain electrodes. Participants played a comput…

This study looked at how people with current depression, those who have recovered from depression, and healthy people react physically to emotions. Researchers measured heart rate, breathing, skin sweat, and brain blood flow during emotional tasks. The goal was to understand the …

This study tested whether a personalized form of brain stimulation called closed-loop rTMS can better target depression-related brain activity in people whose depression hasn't improved with medication. 44 adults with medication-resistant depression received different types of rT…

This study used MRI and PET scans to examine the glutamate system in people with major depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Researchers aimed to understand how a specific glutamate receptor (mGluR5) relates to these conditions. 180 participants aged 18-70 completed cognitive te…