Depression

Long Beach, CA

91 Depression Trials near Long Beach, CA

Power is an online platform that helps thousands of Depression patients discover FDA-reviewed trials every day. Every trial we feature meets safety and ethical standards, giving patients an easy way to discover promising new treatments in the research stage.

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No Placebo
Highly Paid
Stay on Current Meds
Pivotal Trials (Near Approval)
Breakthrough Medication
Although treatments for depression are effective for many people, not everyone responds to treatment. This lack of treatment response could be due, in part, to the presence of multiple underlying causes of people's depression. This study aims to identify subtypes of depression, based on two factors: how successful people perceive themselves to be at regulating their affect in everyday life; and how much activity in the parasympathetic nervous system increases during moments when people try to regulate. The study involves ambulatory assessment of affect, regulation strategies, and physiological activity in everyday life, in a sample of young adults with remitted major depressive disorder and healthy volunteers. We will study regulation responses in the lab to further determine how subtypes differ in neural, physiological, and behavioral responses. Finally, participants will be randomly assigned to a remote, self-administered biofeedback intervention (vs. control intervention) designed to increase parasympathetic activity and physiological regulation success. While engaging in biofeedback at home for 10 days, participants will simultaneously repeat the ambulatory assessments. This design will allow us to determine the proximal impact of biofeedback on indices of regulation success in everyday life, and whether biofeedback has differential impact on regulation success for different subtypes.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 27

252 Participants Needed

This study will test a new cognitive-behavioral skills training program (CBI) delivered in the metaverse. Although initial evidence suggested CBI was feasible for individuals experiencing depression or anxiety, CBI's effectiveness compared to no intervention has yet to be determined. The intervention may be delivered through virtual reality as well as flat-screen devices, such as a computer, which may also affect CBI's effectiveness. The study will enroll up to 306 participants with depression. One third of the participants will access CBI through virtual reality, one third of the participants will access CBI through a flat-screen device, and one third of the participants will be asked not to attend CBI sessions for the first 8 weeks of participation of the trial. For both CBI conditions, treatment will be provided over 8 weeks, with a 6-month follow-up period. Enrollment will be ongoing and groups will occur simultaneously. Potential participants are asked to complete an initial screening and an intake evaluation to determine eligibility. They will then receive 8-weeks of treatment. Participants will complete brief weekly self-report questionnaires throughout their time in the study.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

306 Participants Needed

This study will compare two psychological treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD): cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Both treatments are well-studied and supported by evidence as effective options for people experiencing depression. These treatments will be delivered in an online group format via Zoom. The study will enroll up to 100 participants with depression. Half of the participants will receive online group CBT and half will receive online group ACT. There will be up to 10 members in each group. For both conditions, treatment will be provided over 8 weeks, with a 6-month follow-up period. Enrollment will be ongoing and groups will occur simultaneously. Potential participants are asked to complete an initial screening and an intake evaluation to determine eligibility. They will then receive 8-weeks of treatment. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires throughout their time in the study.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

100 Participants Needed

VNS for Bipolar Depression

Costa Mesa, California
This trial is testing whether VNS Therapy, which sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, can reduce depression symptoms in patients who haven't responded to other treatments. The study will observe the effects of VNS therapy over a year. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a recognized treatment for severe treatment-resistant depression and has shown promising results.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

6800 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to assess how well aticaprant works compared to placebo when given in addition to antidepressant therapy (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor \[SSRI\] or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor \[SNRI\]) in preventing return of depression symptoms in participants with major depressive disorder who experience a loss of interest and pleasure and who achieve a stable response after treatment with adjunctive aticaprant.
Stay on current meds
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 64

660 Participants Needed

The purpose of this research study is to test the study drug, LPCN 1154A, as a possible treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). The trial aims to determine: * If LPCN 1154A reduces depressive symptoms in subjects with severe PPD * How well LPCN 1154A is tolerated and what side effects it may cause * If LPCN 1154A reduces anxiety symptoms in subjects with severe PPD
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:15 - 45
Sex:Female

80 Participants Needed

Gene Therapy for Skin Depressions

Newport Beach, California
A Phase I Study of KB301, a Replication-Incompetent, Non-Integrating Vector Expressing Human Type III Collagen (COL3) for the Treatment of Superficial Skin Depressions

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1

85 Participants Needed

Neuropsychiatric disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide with depressive disorders being one of the most disabling among them. Also, millions of patients do not respond to current medications or psychotherapy, which makes it critical to find an alternative therapy. Applying electrical stimulation at various brain targets has shown promise but there is a critical need to improve efficacy. Given inter- and intra-subject variabilities in neuropsychiatric disorders, this study aims to enable personalizing the stimulation therapy via i) tracking a patient's own symptoms based on their neural activity, and ii) a model of how their neural activity responds to stimulation therapy. The study will develop the modeling elements needed to realize a model-based personalized closed-loop system for electrical brain stimulation to achieve this aim. The study will provide proof-of-concept demonstration in epilepsy patients who already have intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) electrodes implanted for their standard clinical monitoring unrelated to this study, and who consent to being part of the study.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

25 Participants Needed

SuperSite
This trial evaluates whether adding the investigational drug Osavampator (also known as NBI-1065845) to existing oral antidepressant therapy can improve depressive symptoms in patients with depression who aren’t adequately responding to their current antidepressant medication(s).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

200 Participants Needed

Active on Power
This trial evaluates whether adding the investigational drug Osavampator (also known as NBI-1065845) to existing oral antidepressant therapy can improve depressive symptoms in patients with depression who aren’t adequately responding to their current antidepressant medication(s).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

200 Participants Needed

NMRA-335140 for Depression

Irvine, California
This trial is testing a new medication called NMRA-335140 to see if it can help people with severe depression. The study involves participants with Major Depressive Disorder and aims to find out if the medication can improve their mood by altering brain chemicals.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

332 Participants Needed

MM120 for Depression

Santa Monica, California
A Phase 3 Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study (Part A) with an Open-label Extension (Part B) Evaluating MM120 Compared to Placebo in Major Depressive Disorder - Emerge
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

140 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a new medication called PDC-1421 to see if it is safe and effective for cancer patients who also have depression. The goal is to find the right dose that helps with depression without causing harm.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1, 2
Age:21 - 85

12 Participants Needed

This is a phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of centanafadine once-daily (QD) extended-release (XR) capsules for the treatment of adult subjects diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of centanafadine QD XR capsules as monotherapy or as adjunct to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), escitalopram.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

336 Participants Needed

The primary objectives of this clinical investigation are to (1) determine the acceptability and feasibility of joining psilocybin-assisted therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy (PA-CBT) for patients with depression, (2) optimize CBT to most effectively integrate the psilocybin experience with psychotherapy and (3) examine the clinical benefit of psilocybin as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for major depressive disorder. This study has two phases. Phase I will involve an open trial of PA-CBT where participants will receive two doses of psilocybin (10mg and then 25mg, separated by one month) plus 12 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. Phase II will be a randomized, two-arm, fixed dose trial that will test the feasibility, acceptability, and participant and therapist adherence to PA-CBT. Both treatment arms will receive two doses of psilocybin (10mg and then 25mg, separated by one month). In Phase II, participants will be randomized (1:1) to either a 12-session PA-CBT or a 6-session standard psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) condition (3 hours of preparation plus 3 hours of supportive therapy integration following the psilocybin experiences).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Early Phase 1
Age:21 - 60

62 Participants Needed

Adderall XR + TMS for Depression

Los Angeles, California
This study analyzes the affects or Adderall extended-release (XR) in Subjects receiving brain stimulation therapy for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Subjects will be assigned by chance to active or placebo group. Active group will be asked to take one 15 mg pill once daily of Adderall XR (amphetamine) and the Placebo group will be asked take an identical appearing tablet/capsule, one tablet by mouth daily. The placebo tablet has no active ingredients and has no affect on the body or mind. With the exception of the study drug, all other study activities between both groups will be identical. Subjects will use the assigned study drug two weeks before therapy and throughout the first 10 therapy treatments. A total of seven(7) visits will be required for screening, drug assignment, and completion of mood assessments. This study will enroll a total of 30 Subjects.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Early Phase 1
Age:18 - 65

30 Participants Needed

rTMS + Tai Chi for Osteoarthritis

Los Angeles, California
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health problem, and involvement of the knee is especially disabling. Symptomatic knee OA has an incidence rate between 40 to 1,020 per 100,000 person years1 and is among the most common causes of disability worldwide. Knee arthritis pain and disability are highly comorbid wiht depression (30-50%). Currently available treatments offer only limited relief. The Pilot project aims to establish feasibility of the rTMS neuromodulation of response to Tai Chi and improvement in pain and comorbid depression in patients with knee OA. There are several ways in which the pilot project will improve scientific knowledge, and clinical practice: 1) The sequential stimulation of two targets (M1 and l-DLPFC) has not been systematically examined for the treatment of comorbid MDD and knee OA. We hypothesize that using a multi-target rTMS strategy combining M1 and l-DLPFC- active targets will be well tolerated and more effective to treat comorbid symptoms than single site rTMS to M1+l-DLPFCsham. This hypothesis will be tested in Aim 1 of this proposal by comparing two experimental conditions: A) M1active and l-DLPFCactive; and B) M1active and l-DLPFCsham. 2) Identifying the relationship between improvement in pain and depression to improvement in pro-inflammatory cytokines would be novel. Adding an rTMS as a neuromodulation technique with novel stimulation sites to assist in the reduction of symptoms of pain and depression is another scalable to clinical use opportunity that will provide pilot data for future clinical trials. We will perform a pilot feasibility trial of rTMS for those presenting with knee osteoarthritis related pain and moderate to severe depression in 30 volunteers who are undergoing Tai Chi intervention. Tolerability and safety of rTMS added to Tai Chi will be assessed along with changes in symptoms of pain and depression, in preparation to future R-01 applications.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Early Phase 1
Age:50 - 95

30 Participants Needed

IV Citalopram + TMS for Depression

Los Angeles, California
This study will recruit 30 subjects diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Subjects will be recieve one infusion treatment of citalopram or placebo and 10 treatments of a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation, theta burst stimulation (TBS). Subjects will also undergo brain scans, quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) brain activity recordings, and mood surveys. Study activities will be performed over the course of 4 weeks.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Early Phase 1
Age:21 - 55

30 Participants Needed

We want to explore if emphasizing certain instructions (i.e. "bothered by") will affect the way participants respond to a questionnaire.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

200 Participants Needed

Treatments for Depression

Los Angeles, California
This is a multi-site randomized control trial involving people age 55+ years who have current depression symptoms plus another suicide risk indicator (either current suicidal ideation or a past history of attempt). Our goal is evaluate which of two different approaches works best to improve things like trouble sleeping, bad moods, and any suicidality. Participants will complete diagnostic interviews, self-report scales, and wear an actigraphy device for the 8 weeks starting at the baseline visit.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:55+

420 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"I have struggled with depression since I was a child. I have experienced about more than 6 major depressive episodes lasting at least 4 months since I was 7 years old. I have tried talk therapy, a plethora of medication, and nothing has worked long term. Medication and talk therapy helps me manage and reduce the length of depressive episodes but I am in search for alternative treatments. My depression has made completing a bachelors degree a major challenge."

UD
Depression PatientAge: 25

"I have dealt with depression my entire adult life. I have been on multiple different meds, went through 10 weeks of TMS treatments (didn't work for me personally), done fairly extensive counseling. I’ve kind of lost hope that anything will ever help me to feel better. But I learned about new meds in clinical trials and I'm ready to try."

YP
Depression PatientAge: 60

"I've been through a substance abuse program three times. Clearly, it's not working. I need to try something totally different and new to deal with my depression (plus alcohol usage) once and for all. I did some research on psilocybin and want to try."

QP
Depression PatientAge: 55

"I’ve had depression for many years and been on a LOT of different medications. They work for awhile and then they just stop working. It’s very frustrating. I am very open to trying something new and different. Just looking to fight this, head on."

ZX
Depression PatientAge: 55

"I've tried several different SSRIs over the past 23 years with no luck. Some of these new treatments seem interesting... haven't tried anything like them before. I really hope that one could work."

ZS
Depression PatientAge: 51
This trial tests whether Positive Affect Training (PAT) can help adolescents who have faced early life adversities feel more positive emotions and reduce their risk of depression. The study involves 22 adolescents and measures their mood over several months to see if PAT is effective.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:12 - 16

300 Participants Needed

The goal is to optimize peer coaching in order to optimize engagement and outcomes in digital therapy. The unmet mental health needs of community college students are staggering and a growing body of research demonstrates that therapy provided digitally with the assistance of trained community members without advanced degrees in mental health is an effective and scalable way to address these needs. Despite being effective for improving symptoms and functioning in those who engage in it, uptake and engagement in digital therapy is generally quite low. Recent research suggests that this is especially true of Latinx individuals, who tend to have unique and significant unmet mental health needs. To address these issues, Project 2 will examine treatment engagement, treatment satisfaction, symptoms and functioning outcomes among Latinx students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) receiving digital therapy with peer coaching in the STAND program.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 40

240 Participants Needed

Investigators will evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based, Spanish-language, digital, cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention (SilverCloud) in primary care settings for Latino patients with depression and/or anxiety. 426 participants will be enrolled in a two-armed trial comparing self-guided vs. supported dCBT (SilverCloud). At the provider level, investigators will compare the efficacy of provider referrals with the use of a clinic patient registry to identify candidates who could benefit from a digital mental health intervention.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased

426 Participants Needed

This trial tests different methods to decide and adjust mental health care for community college students at ELAC. It aims to find the best way to help students with their mental health by using regular check-ins to guide their care.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 40

1000 Participants Needed

Computerized CBT for Depression

West Los Angeles, California
Depression is disabling and affects one in five Veterans. VA's Primary Care-Mental health Integration (PC-MHI) enables specialists to support medication treatment in primary care, but timely and sufficient access to psychotherapy is unattainable despite Veteran preference for psychotherapy. This study aims to close the gap in psychotherapy access for VA primary care patients with depression by adapting and pilot testing PC-MHI collaborative care models to improve uptake of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

57 Participants Needed

rTMS for Depression

Los Angeles, California
The purpose of the study is to develop a more personalized brain stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or rTMS approach to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). The investigators had previously developed a personalized rTMS treatment by examining the effectiveness of different rTMS frequency from 5 to 18 Hertz (Hz). The optimal treatment frequency is termed resonance frequency and varies across individuals. There has not been a systematic method to identify the best stimulation frequency in an individual-specific way. In this project, the investigators will identify and compare 3 rTMS frequencies, all targeting the brain region called left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC): 1 that engages brain circuit connectivity the most- the investigators call this resonant frequency (RF)-max (RF-max), 1 that is the lowest ranked resonance frequency called RF-min and 1 that is standard of care treatment - rTMS of 10 Hz as a point of comparison. This study is a multi-sites project that will be conducted at UCLA and Butler hospital. This study will enroll 84 participants with MDD over the course of 4.5 years. Participants will undergo a brain imaging scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3 electroencephalograms (or EEG, a measurement of electrical activity of the brain), to identify rTMS resonance frequencies (RFs), 3 sessions of different resonant frequencies of rTMS in combination with EEG, totaling up to 7 in person visits. Participation will take up to 4 weeks.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:21 - 75

84 Participants Needed

TMS for Depression

Los Angeles, California
The investigators are studying the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of administering accelerated repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation(a-rTMS) at frequencies other than standard 10 Hz for in-patient Subjects diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Participants will be recruited from the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. This study will enroll 30 participants who will undergo up to three brain activity recordings, one MRI scan, one TMS procedure to determine the appropriate frequency and intensity for treatment, daily symptom assessments, and 25 TMS treatments. Participants will be asked to participate for up to 2 weeks.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 65

30 Participants Needed

The purpose of this open label study is to evaluate longer term tolerability and early efficacy of transcranial ultrasound in the treatment of patients with refractory depression and anxiety.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased

100 Participants Needed

TMS for Depression

Los Angeles, California
This study will investigate the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of administering repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS) at frequencies other than standard 10 Hz. This study will enroll 10 subjects who will undergo one quantitative electroencephalograph, one TMS procedure to determine the appropriate frequency and intensity for treatment, weekly mood/symptom assessments, and up to 30 TMS treatments. Subjects will be asked to participate for up to 6 weeks.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased

10 Participants Needed

This study will analyze the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of administering repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS) at frequencies other than standard 10 Hz. This study will enroll 50 subjects who will undergo one quantitative electroencephalograph, one TMS procedure to determine the appropriate frequency and intensity for treatment, weekly mood/symptom assessments, and up to 30 TMS treatments. Subjects will be asked to participate for up to 6 weeks.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 65

10 Participants Needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Depression clinical trials in Long Beach, CA pay?

Each trial will compensate patients a different amount, but $50-100 for each visit is a fairly common range for Phase 2–4 trials (Phase 1 trials often pay substantially more). Further, most trials will cover the costs of a travel to-and-from the clinic.

How do Depression clinical trials in Long Beach, CA work?

After a researcher reviews your profile, they may choose to invite you in to a screening appointment, where they'll determine if you meet 100% of the eligibility requirements. If you do, you'll be sorted into one of the treatment groups, and receive your study drug. For some trials, there is a chance you'll receive a placebo. Across Depression trials in Long Beach, CA 30% of clinical trials have a placebo. Typically, you'll be required to check-in with the clinic every month or so. The average trial length in Long Beach, CA for Depression is 12 months.

How do I participate in a study as a "healthy volunteer"?

Not all studies recruit healthy volunteers: usually, Phase 1 studies do. Participating as a healthy volunteer means you will go to a research facility in Long Beach, CA several times over a few days or weeks to receive a dose of either the test treatment or a "placebo," which is a harmless substance that helps researchers compare results. You will have routine tests during these visits, and you'll be compensated for your time and travel, with the number of appointments and details varying by study.

What does the "phase" of a clinical trial mean?

The phase of a trial reveals what stage the drug is in to get approval for a specific condition. Phase 1 trials are the trials to collect safety data in humans. Phase 2 trials are those where the drug has some data showing safety in humans, but where further human data is needed on drug effectiveness. Phase 3 trials are in the final step before approval. The drug already has data showing both safety and effectiveness. As a general rule, Phase 3 trials are more promising than Phase 2, and Phase 2 trials are more promising than phase 1.

Do I need to be insured to participate in a Depression medical study in Long Beach, CA?

Clinical trials are almost always free to participants, and so do not require insurance. The only exception here are trials focused on cancer, because only a small part of the typical treatment plan is actually experimental. For these cancer trials, participants typically need insurance to cover all the non-experimental components.

What are the newest Depression clinical trials in Long Beach, CA?

Most recently, we added PDC-1421 for Depression in Cancer Patients, Collaborative Decision Skills Training for Serious Mental Illness and AFA-281 for Alcoholism to the Power online platform.

What do the "Power Preferred" and "SuperSite" badges mean?

We recognize research clinics with these awards when they are especially responsive to patients who apply through the Power online platform. SuperSite clinics are research sites recognized for a high standard of rapid and thorough follow-up with patient applicants. Meanwhile, Power Preferred clinics are the top 20 across the entire Power platform, recognized for their absolute top patient experience.

Which clinics have received Power Preferred and SuperSite awards recruiting for Depression trials in Long Beach, CA?

The Depression clinics in Long Beach, CA currently recognized as Power Preferred are: Anderson Clinical Research in Redlands, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Anderson Clinical Research in Redlands, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California The Depression clinics in Long Beach, CA currently recognized as SuperSites are: Irvine Center for Clinical Research, Inc. in Irvine, California

What are the current treatment options for depression?

Doctors use a stepped-care approach. First, most people try evidence-based talk therapy (such as CBT or interpersonal therapy), an antidepressant medicine (SSRIs are typical), or both, while also improving sleep, exercise and diet. If symptoms persist, the next “step” is to add or switch treatments—e.g., combining two medicines, adding lithium or an antipsychotic, or using brain-stimulation methods like transcranial magnetic stimulation or, for severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy; newer options such as esketamine nasal spray are reserved for treatment-resistant depression. Working with a clinician to review progress every few weeks and adjust the plan is key to finding the right mix.

When is depression considered severe?

Doctors call a depressive episode “severe” when almost all of the nine core symptoms are present at high intensity, the person’s daily life has largely shut down (can’t work, study, or manage self-care), or there are high-risk features like active suicidal thoughts, a recent attempt, or hallucinations/false beliefs. On common checklists this usually means a PHQ-9 score of 20 or higher, and it signals the need for urgent, comprehensive care—often a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and sometimes hospitalization. If you or someone you know reaches this point, treat it as an emergency and contact a mental-health professional or call/text 988 (USA) or your local crisis line right away.

Is it possible to never be depressed again?

Some people have a single episode of depression and stay well, but the risk of another episode is higher if you stop treatment too soon, have had several episodes before, or still have mild symptoms. You can greatly lower that risk by continuing the treatment that got you better for at least 6–12 months, learning relapse-prevention skills in CBT or mindfulness therapy, keeping regular sleep, exercise, and social routines, and checking in early with a professional if warning signs return. In short, there is no iron-clad guarantee you’ll never be depressed again, but staying on maintenance care and a healthy lifestyle makes long-term wellness much more likely.

What are the top 3 symptoms of depression?

Doctors look first for three core signs: 1) a low or hopeless mood that hangs around most of the day, nearly every day; 2) a marked loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy (called anhedonia); and 3) big changes in body energy—feeling drained, sleeping or eating far more or less than usual. If any of these have lasted two weeks or longer, it’s time to talk with a health professional, because other symptoms can pile on and treatment works best when started early.

Is depression a chemical imbalance?

No—depression can’t be pinned on one missing brain chemical. Research shows it arises from a mix of factors: how your brain circuits and several neurotransmitters work, your genes, long-term stress, and life circumstances all interact. Because causes differ from person to person, the most effective care is usually a combination of approaches—medication when needed, talking therapies, and lifestyle changes—worked out with your clinician.

How many people have untreatable depression?

Doctors call “untreatable” depression “treatment-resistant depression,” meaning the person has not improved after trying at least two suitable antidepressants. Large studies show this applies to roughly one-quarter to one-third of people with major depression—about 2–3 % of adults overall, or roughly 5–8 million U.S. adults in any given year. Importantly, many still respond to other options such as medication combinations, ketamine/esketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or electroconvulsive therapy.

How to get out of deep depression?

Think of recovery as two tracks that run side-by-side. Track 1: get professional help right away—if you ever feel unsafe call 988 (or your local hotline), and with a clinician discuss proven treatments such as CBT, antidepressant medicine, and, when needed, newer options like ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy. Track 2: reinforce the medical plan daily with mood-boosting basics—consistent exercise, regular sleep, balanced meals, limited alcohol or drugs, and time with supportive people—because these habits make the treatments work better and give you small, sustainable lifts while you heal.

Why is depression so hard to treat?

Depression is hard to treat because it isn’t a single disease—each person’s symptoms arise from a unique blend of brain chemistry, genetics, stress, medical issues, and life circumstances—so one-size-fits-all therapies rarely work. Without a blood test to guide choices, clinicians must try treatments sequentially, and roughly one-third of people need several steps or a combination of medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, or newer options like ketamine or magnetic stimulation before they feel well. The encouraging news is that persistence with a systematic plan and attention to sleep, exercise, and co-existing conditions allows most patients to eventually reach full recovery.

What are unhealthy coping mechanisms for depression?

Unhealthy coping means doing things that give quick relief but actually deepen depression—common examples include using alcohol or other drugs, overeating or not eating, oversleeping or endless screen-scrolling to avoid feelings, cutting or other self-harm, harsh self-talk and rumination, and withdrawing from friends or lashing out at them. These behaviors worsen mood, relationships, and safety; if you notice yourself relying on them, reach out to a trusted person or mental-health professional (or call your local crisis line) and ask about safer skills such as problem-solving steps, scheduled activity, or therapy.

Is it OK to have clinical depression?

Yes—having clinical depression isn’t a personal failing; it’s a common medical illness, and recognising it is the first step toward feeling better. What isn’t OK is to face it alone, because untreated depression can worsen and raise the risk of other problems, whereas most people improve with timely care such as talk therapy, medication, or a combination. If symptoms last more than two weeks or include thoughts of self-harm, book a visit with a primary-care doctor or mental-health professional and, in crisis, call 988 (U.S.) or your local emergency number—effective help and recovery are the norm when treatment is started.

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