MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

This study tested whether customizing a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment could work better for people with depression that hasn't responded to medication. Researchers compared three versions of the treatment in 75 participants over four weeks. They measured changes in bra…

This study tested a new way to treat severe depression that doesn't get better with standard medications. Researchers used a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp, given in a more intense and frequent pattern than usual, to see if it could reduce symptoms. A small group …

This study tested a new approach for treating major depression that combines two treatments. Researchers used MRI scans to precisely target a brain stimulation treatment (rTMS) while participants also did a computer-based talk therapy session. The goal was to see if doing both tr…

This study tested an experimental drug called ALTO-203 in people with moderate depression and loss of pleasure (anhedonia). Researchers gave 69 participants either the drug or a placebo to see how it affected their mood and alertness, and to check if it was safe. The goal was to …

This study tested whether a low-dose ketamine infusion could quickly reduce depression symptoms in teenagers whose depression had not improved with standard antidepressants. Researchers compared the ketamine infusion to a placebo (saltwater) infusion in a small group of adolescen…

This study tested whether adding an experimental oral medication called SPN-820 could help adults with major depressive disorder who were already taking a standard antidepressant but still had significant symptoms. The 40 participants took SPN-820 every three days for 10 days in …

This study tested whether adding a new medication called SEP-363856 to a person's current antidepressant could help reduce depression symptoms more effectively. It involved 929 adults whose depression had not improved enough with standard antidepressants alone. Researchers compar…

This small, early study explored a faster version of a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for depression. It involved 11 patients and gathered feedback from clinic staff. The goal was to see if delivering the treatment more quickly was acceptable and could reduce symptoms, …

This study tested whether a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called theta burst stimulation (TBS) could help people with moderate to severe depression who haven't fully responded to standard treatments. 238 participants received either real TBS or a sham (fake) treatment fo…

This study tested whether an investigational medicine called NBI-1070770 could help improve symptoms of major depression when added to a person's current antidepressant. 73 adults with depression took either the new medicine or a placebo pill for a short period. The main goal was…

This study tested a new drug called ENX-104 in people with major depression who also experience anhedonia, which is a loss of interest or pleasure. The main goal was to see if the drug was safe and how the body processes it. The study involved 48 participants and was an early-sta…

This study tested whether ALTO-100, a new investigational medication, helps reduce symptoms of major depression. It involved 301 adults with moderate to severe depression, who took the drug either by itself or added to their current antidepressant for 6 weeks. Researchers measure…

This study tested an experimental oral medication called GM-1020 in people with moderate to severe depression. The main goals were to check if the drug is safe and well-tolerated, and to look for early signs that it might help reduce depression symptoms. The trial involved 46 adu…

This study tested whether a special job support program could help people with depression or anxiety return to work or school. 326 adults who were unable to work due to their condition received either the job coaching plus their usual treatment, or just their usual treatment. Res…

This study tested whether customizing where a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment is aimed could make it more effective for depression. Researchers worked with 50 adults diagnosed with major depression, comparing personalized targeting methods against standard approaches dur…

This study tested whether an infusion of donor stem cells is safe and might help people who struggle with both heavy drinking and major depression. Thirty-one participants were randomly assigned to receive either the stem cell treatment or a placebo infusion. Researchers monitore…

This study aimed to check the long-term safety of adding a new medication called lumateperone to standard antidepressant therapy for people with major depression. Over 800 patients who had already completed a prior study took lumateperone daily for about six months while continui…

This study explored whether adding whole-body heat therapy (like a medical sauna) to standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could help people with major depression. Thirty adults with depression received eight weeks of CBT and were randomly assigned to also get either real o…

This study tested whether a new drug called BHV-7000 could safely reduce symptoms of major depression. It involved 336 adults with moderate to severe depression who were not taking other depression medications. Researchers compared the drug to a placebo over 6 weeks, measuring ch…

This completed Phase 3 study tested whether an investigational oral medication called NMRA-335140 could reduce symptoms of major depression compared to a placebo. The 6-week trial involved 383 adults with moderate to severe depression who were randomly assigned to receive either …

This study tested whether a new pattern of magnetic brain stimulation works as well as the current standard method for treating major depression. It involved 104 adults with depression who hadn't gotten enough relief from antidepressant medications. Researchers compared the new s…

This study tested if combining two depression treatments works better than one. 40 people with major depression received a brain stimulation treatment called TMS. Half also got an online therapy program to see if the combination improved their symptoms more than TMS alone.

This study tested whether a medication called solriamfetol helps adults with major depressive disorder. 346 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the medication or a placebo pill for 6 weeks. Researchers measured changes in depression symptoms and monitored for si…

This small, early-stage study tested whether it is safe and practical to combine psilocybin (the active compound in 'magic mushrooms') with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat major depression. Sixteen participants received two doses of psilocybin along with 12 therapy se…

This study tested if psilocybin, the active compound in 'magic mushrooms,' could help people with major depression. Researchers compared giving psilocybin alone, standard therapy alone, or combining the two. They measured changes in people's depression symptoms, anxiety, and rela…

This study aimed to help doctors choose the right antidepressant for people with depression before they start treatment. Researchers used brain scans, computer tasks, and questionnaires to find markers that predict whether a person would respond better to one of two common antide…

This Yale University study tested a new therapy designed to prevent suicide in adolescents and young adults with depression or bipolar disorder. The therapy teaches self-help strategies to create more regular daily routines, especially for sleep, with the goal of improving brain …

This small pilot study explored whether inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) weekly could improve symptoms of major depression. Researchers used MRI brain scans to see if the treatment changed brain activity and connections in 11 participants. They compared laughing gas to a sed…

This study tested whether gentle massage therapy could help reduce symptoms of depression. 25 adults with depression received weekly 30-minute massage sessions focused on the head, neck, and shoulders for 8 weeks. Researchers measured changes in depression and physical symptom sc…

This study tested whether taking very small, non-hallucinogenic doses of psilocybin (the active compound in 'magic mushrooms') could safely improve mood in people with major depression. It involved 39 adults who either hadn't responded to standard treatments or didn't want to try…

This study compared two anesthesia methods used during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression. Researchers tested whether a combination drug (ketofol) helps maintain more stable blood pressure than the commonly used propofol alone. The trial involved 80 adults rece…

This small pilot study explored whether it's practical and acceptable for people with depression to reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diet. Researchers worked with 20 adults who had major depressive disorder and typically ate a lot of processed foods. The main g…

This study tested whether a special group training program could help people with mental health conditions. The program, called Metacognitive Training, aimed to teach new thinking skills to reduce symptoms like depression, anxiety, and distorted thoughts. Researchers worked with …

This study tested whether a new dynamic lighting system installed in hospital rooms could help reduce symptoms of depression. The special lights were designed to mimic natural sunlight, changing color and brightness throughout the day to help regulate sleep-wake cycles. Researche…

This study tested a 10-week telehealth program designed to help veterans with major depression and a history of suicide attempts. The program used online brain-training exercises and problem-solving practice to improve decision-making and manage depression symptoms. Researchers w…

This study tested whether a specific type of talk therapy could help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, or depression who struggle with repetitive, unwanted thoughts. The therapy aimed to teach better attention control skills to help people shift away from …

This study compared two types of talk therapy for veterans with PTSD, depression, or panic disorder. Researchers tested if a single, streamlined therapy could work as well as separate, disorder-specific therapies. 304 veterans received 12 weeks of either the new combined approach…

This study tested whether doing 30 minutes of moderate exercise right before therapy sessions could make cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work better for depression. Researchers compared 40 adults with depression who either exercised or rested quietly before their weekly therap…

This study tested whether the drug valbenazine could improve daily life for people with tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition causing uncontrollable movements often linked to certain mental health medications. For 24 weeks, 59 adults with TD and conditions like schizophrenia or bi…

This study tested if pregnenolone, a natural hormone sold as a supplement, could help reduce depression in women during or after menopause. Researchers compared pregnenolone to a placebo pill in 73 women to see if it improved mood, anxiety, hot flashes, and thinking skills. The g…

This study tested whether using a virtual reality (VR) headset could help people with depression get more out of a common talk therapy. Researchers compared standard therapy to therapy enhanced with VR activities. The main goal was to see if the VR approach was practical, accepta…

This study tested if using a patient's genetic information (DNA) to guide the choice of antidepressant medication works better than standard doctor-led care for cancer patients. 99 adults with cancer and symptoms of depression or anxiety were randomly assigned to either get a DNA…

This study tested a non-drug treatment for depression in people over 60. Researchers used a magnetic device to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain, aiming to improve mood. They compared the real treatment to a fake (placebo) version in 108 participants to see if it safel…

This study explored whether listening to Baroque music could help reduce anxiety in people with major depressive disorder. Eighteen participants listened to a 30-minute playlist of Baroque pieces during a clinic visit. Researchers measured their anxiety levels before and after to…

This small, completed study from the University of Chicago explored whether a single dose of psilocybin, the active compound in 'magic mushrooms,' could safely reduce symptoms in adults diagnosed with both major depression and borderline personality disorder. Nine participants re…

This study tested whether taking heated yoga classes could help adults with mild to moderate depression feel better. Researchers enrolled 80 people to either participate in twice-weekly hot yoga sessions or wait for treatment while tracking their symptoms. The main goals were to …

This study tested whether adding the medication semaglutide to standard depression treatment could improve cognitive problems like poor memory and concentration. It involved 72 overweight adults with major depression who reported these thinking difficulties. Participants received…

This early-stage study aimed to check the safety and tolerability of a new oral drug called AGN-241751 (zelquistinel) in healthy people. Researchers gave 68 healthy volunteers single, increasing doses of the drug or a placebo to see how their bodies reacted and processed it. The …

This study aims to understand how brain chemistry differs in people with depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Researchers will use MRI and PET scans to measure specific brain chemicals in 180 participants, comparing those with the conditions to healthy volunteers. The goal is …

This study aimed to understand what might predict depression in teenage girls by looking at their genes and brain activity. It involved 100 healthy girls aged 12-14, some with a family history of depression, who completed interviews, computer tasks, and one brain scan over six mo…

This study aimed to understand if the brain's response to insulin is different in teens with depression. Researchers compared brain scans of 12 adolescents with depression to 12 healthy teens after giving them a nasal spray containing either insulin or a placebo. The goal was to …

This study looked at whether improving a caregiver's depression could lead to better asthma control for their child. Researchers followed 205 caregiver-child pairs for one year, measuring depression and asthma symptoms regularly. The goal was to understand the connection between …

This study tested if giving people the natural hunger hormone ghrelin could increase their motivation to work for rewards and change how their body uses energy. It involved 24 people, including some with major depression and some healthy volunteers. Participants received either g…

This study aimed to understand if a hormone from the stomach called ghrelin can increase a brain chemical (dopamine) and boost a person's willingness to work hard for rewards. Researchers gave ghrelin or a placebo to 26 healthy people and people with depression, then used brain s…

This study aimed to find biological markers that could predict who will respond well to the antidepressant venlafaxine. Researchers followed 60 people with major depression and 20 healthy volunteers for three months. They measured specific proteins in the blood and linked them to…

This study aimed to find biological markers, or signs, that could help predict suicide risk in people with major depression. Researchers used brain scans, thinking tests, and behavioral tasks to measure how people process pain, reward, and attention. They followed 97 adults with …

This study aimed to understand how depression affects the body's physical responses and brain activity during emotional experiences. Researchers compared 76 women—some currently depressed, some recovered from depression, and some healthy—measuring heart rate, breathing, skin resp…

This small pilot study aimed to understand how everyday stress might affect heart and blood vessel health, and whether this could be a reason for future memory or thinking problems. Researchers studied 17 middle-aged adults, some with depression, tracking their daily stress for t…

This study aimed to understand what causes mood episodes like depression after childbirth. Researchers followed 300 pregnant women, some with and some without a history of mood disorders, to track their mental health. They collected information on genes, hormones, stress, and sle…

This study aimed to understand how social and economic factors—like income, stress, and depression—affect heart and blood vessel health in minority communities at higher risk for health disparities. Researchers enrolled 105 adults to complete surveys about their life experiences,…

This study aimed to understand how the brain's reward system influences responses to depression treatments. Researchers tested 120 adults with depression using non-invasive brain stimulation and two different medications to see how they affected brain activity during a reward tas…

This study aimed to understand how depression and antidepressant treatment affect natural brain chemicals and gut bacteria. Researchers compared 228 adults with depression to healthy adults, measuring blood chemicals, memory, mood, and stool samples over 8 weeks of antidepressant…