Depression

San Diego, CA

94 Depression Trials near San Diego, 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

BHV-7000 for Depression

Oceanside, California
This trial is testing a new medication called BHV-7000 to see if it is safe and well-tolerated over several months in people with Major Depressive Disorder. The goal is to help those who suffer from severe depression by potentially offering a new treatment option.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Phase 2

480 Participants Needed

ALTO-203 for Depression

Oceanside, California
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the pharmacodynamic effects of ALTO-203 in patients with MDD in a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-dose crossover treatment period. Additionally, safety, tolerability, and PK will be assessed in a subsequent randomized placebo-controlled multi-dose parallel-group treatment period of 28 days. Participants will complete subjective response questionnaires and perform cognitive tasks during the single-dose period, in which participants will receive ALTO-203 25 μg and 75 μg, as well as placebo. During the multiple-dose period, participants will receive either ALTO-203 25 μg, 75 μg , or placebo. Safety will be assessed over the single dose and 28-day multiple dose periods.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:25 - 64

60 Participants Needed

NMRA 335140 for Depression

Oceanside, California
This trial is testing a new medication called NMRA 335140 to see if it can help people with Major Depressive Disorder feel less depressed. The study involves an initial evaluation and a treatment phase where participants will receive either the medication or an inactive substance. The medication likely works by changing brain chemicals that affect mood.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:18 - 65

332 Participants Needed

Power Preferred

Seltorexant for Depression

Oceanside, California
This trial is testing seltorexant to see if it can help people with depression and insomnia who haven't improved with their current antidepressants. Seltorexant aims to improve mood and sleep by acting on certain brain receptors.
Stay on current meds
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

752 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

Power Preferred

ALTO-100 for Bipolar Depression

Oceanside, California
The purpose of this study is to assess antidepressant efficacy differences between ALTO-100 and placebo during the Double-Blind period in patients with bipolar disorder I or II with current major depressive episode, when used adjunctively to a mood stabilizer, related to patient characteristics. Additionally, safety, tolerability, and efficacy will be assessed in a subsequent open label treatment period.
Stay on current meds

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

200 Participants Needed

Aticaprant for Depression

Temecula, California
This trial is testing if aticaprant can help adults with major depressive disorder who haven't responded well to current antidepressants. The medication works by targeting brain chemicals to improve mood and pleasure.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:18 - 64

350 Participants Needed

Gene Therapy for Skin Depressions

Rancho Santa Margarita, 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

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

Newport Beach, California
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate the effects of NMRA-335140 (formerly BTRX-335140) on symptoms of depression in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The study design consists of a Screening Period (up to 28 days), and a 6-week Treatment Period (during which participants will receive either NMRA-335140 or placebo). At the completion of the 6-week Treatment Period, participants who complete the study, provide informed consent, and meet the eligibility criteria may enter an open-label extension study (NMRA-335140-501).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

332 Participants Needed

Zelquistinel for Depression

Irvine, California
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if GATE-251 works to treat depression in adults. It will also learn about the safety of GATE-251. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does GATE-251 reduce depression scores in participants compared to participants who take a placebo (a look-alike tablet that contains no GATE-251)? What medical problems are observed in participants who take GATE-251? Participants will take one tablet of GATE-251 or placebo every week for 6 weeks. Participants will visit the clinic every week of the 6 week period to have the severity of their depression evaluated.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 64

164 Participants Needed

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

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

Azetukalner for Depression

Orange, California
X-NOVA-OLE is a multicenter, open-label study to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of azetukalner as a monotherapy in adult participants who successfully completed an antecedent Phase 3 study of azetukalner in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Phase 3

460 Participants Needed

This trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of Cariprazine for treating depressive episodes in children and teenagers with bipolar I disorder. The goal is to find out if Cariprazine can help young people with this condition. Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic recently approved for the treatment of depressive episodes in adults with bipolar I disorder.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:10 - 17

380 Participants Needed

NBI-1065845 for Depression

Orange, California
The study will evaluate the efficacy of NBI-1065845 compared with placebo as an adjunctive treatment in participants with MDD on improving symptoms of depression.
Stay on current meds
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

200 Participants Needed

SP-624 for Major Depression

Garden Grove, California
The main goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the active study drug (code name: SP-624) has any effect on the electrical activity of the brain in adult healthy volunteers and in adults with major depression. Another goal of the study is to learn if SP-624 improves memory and learning in adults with major depression. The study will also provide additional information on the safety of SP-624 and how well it is tolerated in adult healthy volunteers and adults with major depression. Researchers will compare SP-624 to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if SP-624 has any effect on study tests. Study participants will: Take capsules of study drug (SP-624 or a placebo) once daily for 2 weeks; visit the clinic at Screening, Day 1 (first dose of study drug), and Day 15 (last dose of study drug) for checkups and tests; and have phone call check-ups on Day 7 and about 1 week after the last dose of study drug.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1
Age:18 - 60

36 Participants Needed

Rates of anxiety and depression in youth are substantial, causing a major unmet need for effective interventions. Participation in mindfulness interventions has been demonstrated to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms among teenagers. Parents' participation in mindfulness interventions has also been shown to reduce their children's mental health symptoms. However, there is no available evidence regarding potential additional benefits for adolescents' mental health of having both the adolescent and their parent or caregiver learn and practice mindfulness simultaneously. This pilot intervention study aims to explore potential additive effects of parent/caregiver participation in a digitally-based, kindness-focused, coached mindfulness intervention program for adolescents that lasts 9 weeks. Participating parent/caregiver-child pairs (n = 30) will include one teenager between 12 and 17 years old with a current diagnosis of an anxiety or depressive disorder and one parent/caregiver. All adolescent participants will take part in the mindfulness intervention. Half of the parents/caregivers will be randomized to also take part in the mindfulness program. Outcomes will be compared between families in which only the teen participates in the mindfulness program and families in which the teen and parent/caregiver participate in the intervention. Adolescents and parents/caregivers will take part in evaluations before, in the middle of, and after the end of the mindfulness program, meaning that participation in the study will take a total of approximately 12 weeks. Pre, mid, and post evaluations will include online questionnaires. Pre and post evaluations will also include clinical interviews via phone or video conference. Evaluations will include measures of mental health diagnoses and symptoms, mood, interpersonal and family functioning, mindfulness, and perceptions of/satisfaction with the program. Participating adolescents and parents/caregivers will also fill out weekly brief questionnaires of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The primary outcome of interest is adolescent mental health, including anxiety and depressive symptoms.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:12 - 17

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

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect that melatonin lotion has on sleep quality, the nervous system, and mental health. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the brain that regulates sleep and might improve depression and anxiety symptoms. The goal is to determine whether melatonin in lotion form is an effective treatment for young adults with inadequate sleep and might improve mental health. Participants will fill out surveys, wear an actigraph (a wrist-worn device that measures sleep), wear a heart rate monitor (a strap worn around one's chest), and provide nightly saliva samples during treatment weeks. In one of the two treatment weeks, participants will receive a lotion that contains melatonin. During the other week they will receive a control treatment that will be lotion with no melatonin, and there will be a week in between with no treatment at all.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 21

60 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"I've been struggling with alcoholism and depression on-and-off for about 12 years. I have heard of people have good outcomes for various mental health issues after using psilocybin but would not be willing to try it without a doctor's care. So I'm applying to a trial. "

QJ
Depression PatientAge: 60

"Dealt with treatment-resistant depression for pretty much my entire life. I would be eternally grateful for something that actually worked for once. I'd just like to feel normal. "

CM
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’m ready to move on with my life. I did a poor job bouncing back from COVID (dealing with a disability). I'd already had a PTSD diagnosis after my spouse died. These past few years have been tough and I'd like to feel like I'm alive again. I need help getting out of this phase."

FY
Depression PatientAge: 60

"I have tried several different drugs and nothing seems to help really. I'm hoping this trial could give me my life back. I haven't tried anything like psilocybin yet... fingers crossed."

MT
Anxiety PatientAge: 59

Deep TMS for Depression

Redlands, California
This trial is testing a device that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain. It aims to help people with Major Depressive Disorder who have depressive episodes. The study will check if this new method is as safe and effective as current treatments. Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is a potential alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) that may not adversely affect memory.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:22 - 68

104 Participants Needed

NMRA-335140 for Bipolar Depression

Garden Grove, California
This trial is testing a new medication called NMRA-335140 to see if it can help adults with Bipolar II disorder who are experiencing major depression. The medication aims to improve mood and reduce feelings of depression.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

60 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a drug called NORA520 to see if it can help women with severe postpartum depression. The study will check how well the drug works, its side effects, and how much of it gets into the blood and breastmilk. Women in the study will take the drug for a short period.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 45
Sex:Female

90 Participants Needed

Efficacy of a Multi-level School Intervention for LGBTQ Youth
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:12 - 20

450 Participants Needed

CTC-501 for Depression

Long Beach, California
This trial tests pramipexole and ondansetron in patients with major depressive disorder. Pramipexole aims to improve mood by affecting brain chemicals, and ondansetron helps prevent nausea. Pramipexole has been tested in various studies for its efficacy in treating major depression, while ondansetron is being explored for its potential benefits in combination with other treatments. The study compares the treatment over a few months.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

24 Participants Needed

Trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder (SUD) present major threats to public health. PTSD and SUD are major correlates of disability, often resulting in severe social and occupational impairment. Comorbidity between PTSD and SUD (PTSD/SUD) is common and frequently co-occurs with other mental health ailments including depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Comorbidity may be amplified in groups vulnerable to high trauma exposure, such as women with low socioeconomic status including women experiencing homelessness (WEH). Moreover, the reciprocal nature of PTSD/SUD (substances are used to cope with PTSD symptoms; substance use can create high-risk situations for new traumas to occur), can create a cycle of trauma and symptomatology leading to a critical health disparity. PTSD/SUD can be costly and difficult to treat, with treatment completion often low and relapse rates often high. Low-cost, complementary interventions, such as self-compassion (SC) interventions, which target key mechanisms that maintain PTSD/SUD, could improve treatment outcomes. SC interventions include practices that build skills to improve emotional responses, cognitive understanding, and mindfulness. Recent research supports the benefit of SC interventions for reducing PTSD, SUD, and related comorbidities, potentially with large effects. However, sample sizes have generally been small and randomized designs infrequently used. Moreover, while SC interventions may act to improve key mechanisms of treatment response and/or symptom maintenance (e.g., emotion regulation/dysregulation, trauma-related guilt, trauma-related shame, moral injury, and craving), such mediating factors have been underexplored. To address these limitations, the present proposal will implement community-based research principles and use a two phase, mixed-method design to adapt and test a widely used SC intervention (Mindful Self Compassion; MSC) for use with a sample of WEH with PTSD/SUD. The project will be conducted in partnership with a state-funded drug treatment facility that serves women and families experiencing high health disparities. Phase I was completed in 2023 and adapted the standard MSC course for use with trauma-exposed WEH with PTSD/SUD using the ADAPT-ITT model, an eight-stage model that engages community partners to increase feasibility and acceptability of interventions for at-risk populations. Phase II will be an open-label cluster randomized clinical trial (N=202) to test the benefit of the adapted MSC at improving primary (PTSD, substance use) and secondary outcomes (depression, anxiety, hopelessness) among a sample of WEH with PTSD/SUD residing in a residential drug treatment site. MSC (n=101) will be compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU; n=101). WEH in the MSC group will complete a 6-week (six sessions plus a half-day retreat) MSC intervention. The TAU group will engage in weekly check-ins with the research team but will not receive an intervention. WEH will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 4-month follow-up. One-on-one interviews will be conducted with the MSC group to collect qualitative data on experiences. An exploratory aim will be to elucidate mechanism of treatment-response and maintenance or remission of PTSD symptoms. These potential mechanisms will include SC, emotion regulation/dysregulation, trauma-related guilt, trauma-related shame, moral injury, and craving. Results may inform treatment for PTSD/SUD in WEH and other groups experiencing high health disparities and provide valuable insights into mechanisms underlying PTSD/SUD symptoms over time. Findings are relevant to military populations, which experience high rates of PTSD/SUD, and other populations disproportionately exposed to trauma.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Sex:Female

202 Participants Needed

This trial is testing lumateperone, a medication that may help people with depression who haven't improved with other treatments. The study includes patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who haven't responded well to their current antidepressants. Lumateperone works by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood, potentially improving depressive symptoms.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

470 Participants Needed

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 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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Depression clinical trials in San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA?

Most recently, we added PDC-1421 for Depression in Cancer Patients, Collaborative Decision Skills Training for Serious Mental Illness and Pramipexole vs Escitalopram for Depression in HIV 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 San Diego, CA?

The Depression clinics in San Diego, CA currently recognized as Power Preferred are: Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Viking Clinical Research in Temecula, California Anderson Clinical Research in Redlands, California Clinical Innovations in Bellflower, California Anderson Clinical Research in Redlands, California The Depression clinics in San Diego, CA currently recognized as SuperSites are: Synergy San Diego in Lemon Grove, 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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