Depression

Maryland

96 Depression Trials near Maryland

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
SuperSite

SEP-363856 for Major Depressive Disorder

Gaithersburg, Maryland
A Phase 2/3 Trial is designed to evaluate SEP-363856 as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2, 3
Age:18 - 65

900 Participants Needed

Active on Power

Osavampator as an Adjunctive Treatment for Depression

Gaithersburg, Maryland
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

ABX-002-2001 for Depression

Fairfax, Virginia
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if ABX-002 added to an existing antidepressant treatment will benefit depression symptoms in adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder who have had an inadequate response to their antidepressant.  This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-arm, parallel-group, Phase 2 study, randomized 1:1 (ABX-002: placebo). The study will include the following stages: 1. Screening (approximately 35 days)  2. Treatment period (42 days)  3. Follow-up (2 weeks post treatment)

Trial Details

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

230 Participants Needed

NMRA-335140 for Depression

Towson, Maryland
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

NMRA-335140 for Depression

Towson, Maryland
This trial is testing a new medication called NMRA-335140 to see if it helps people with major depressive disorder. It includes participants who have no safety concerns. The medication aims to improve mood by affecting brain chemicals.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

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

650 Participants Needed

MM120 for Depression

Baltimore, Maryland
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

Psilocybin Analog for Depression

Rockville, Maryland
The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CYB003 compared to matching placebo as adjunctive treatment in participants with MDD.
Stay on current meds
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

220 Participants Needed

Lumateperone for Pediatric Bipolar Depression

Baltimore, Maryland
This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients who are experiencing major depressive episodes (MDEs) associated with a primary diagnosis of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder as confirmed by Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

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

384 Participants Needed

Centanafadine for Depression

Laurel, Maryland
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

BI 1569912 for Depression

Baltimore, Maryland
This study is open to adults between 18 and 65 years of age with a type of depression called major depressive disorder. The purpose of the study is to find out whether a medicine called BI 1569912 helps people with depression. Participants are put into 4 groups randomly, which means by chance. Three of the 4 groups take different doses of BI 1569912 and 1 group takes placebo. Placebo tablets looks like BI 1569912 but do not contain any medicine. Participants take the tablets once a day for 6 weeks. Participants are in the study for about 2.5 months. During this time, they visit the study site at least 7 times. At the visits, doctors and their staff ask participants about their depression symptoms. At the end of the study, the results are compared between the groups to see whether the treatment works. The doctors also regularly check the general health of participants and take note of any unwanted effects.

Trial Details

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

224 Participants Needed

Psilocybin for Depression in Adults with Cancer

Rockville, Maryland
This is a Phase 2, single-center study to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of up to two 25-mg doses of psilocybin administered at an interval of 9 to 10 weeks in patients with MDD and cancer. This two-part study will administer a fixed dose (25 mg) of psilocybin in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled portion (Dosing Session 1) and subsequently allow rollover into an open-label portion (Dosing Session 2; fixed dose of psilocybin, 25 mg) for patients who do not achieve remission of MDD symptoms after the first dose. In Dosing Session 1, groups of two to four patients will be randomized, as a cohort, to receive either psilocybin 25 mg or niacin 100 mg (active placebo) in a group session, with each patient supported by their dedicated study therapist and monitored by a second therapist via video feed. In Dosing Session 2, all eligible participants (i.e., patients who have not achieved remission defined as MADRS \< 10 at V7) will receive psilocybin 25 mg in an open-label fashion using the group session model. The study population will include adult men and women who are 18 years of age or older and have diagnoses of both MDD and a malignant neoplasm. MDD is defined as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for a single or recurrent episode of MDD without psychotic features. A diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm is defined as having a diagnostic code from C00 to C97 according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10). Participants will be recruited through referrals from specialized psychiatric and oncology services as well as through patient self-referrals. The majority of participants will have no prior exposure to psilocybin or so-called "magic mushrooms"; however, participants with prior recreational experience with psilocybin or "magic mushrooms" are eligible.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

56 Participants Needed

Psilocybin for Depression and Alcoholism

Baltimore, Maryland
This trial is testing if psilocybin can help people with both depression and alcohol problems. The drug might improve mood and reduce drinking by changing brain activity. The study involves giving psilocybin to see if it helps. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic that has shown promise in treating mood and substance use disorders.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:21 - 65

90 Participants Needed

BHV-7000 for Depression

Baltimore, Maryland
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

Pikesville, Maryland
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

NBI-1070770 for Depression

Gaithersburg, Maryland
To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of NBI-1070770 compared to placebo on improving symptoms of depression in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Trial Details

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

72 Participants Needed

Psilocybin for Depression in Alzheimer's

Baltimore, Maryland
This trial tests if psilocybin, a substance from certain mushrooms, can safely improve depression and quality of life in people with early Alzheimer's or Mild Cognitive Impairment. It works by changing brain activity related to mood. Psilocybin has been studied for its potential to reduce depression and anxiety, particularly in patients with life-threatening conditions.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Early Phase 1

20 Participants Needed

PET Imaging for Depression

Bethesda, Maryland
Background: Researchers developed \[11C\]MC1, a radioligand for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme induced in the brain during inflammation. Researchers want to see the levels of COX-1 (measured as distribution volume VT) are elevated in the brain of two groups of mood disorders patients undergoing MDE relative to the control group. Objective: To determine whether COX-1 and COX-2 are detectable in the brains of individuals with MDD experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE). Eligibility: People aged 18-70 years with MDD and Healthy Volunteers aged 18 70 years. Design: Group A: MDD participants will be studied with the same dose of \[11C\]MC1 before and after administration of 600 mg celecoxib; the study is neither randomized nor placebo-controlled. Group B: MDD participants, both medicated and unmedicated, will be studied with \[11C\]PS13 and compared to healthy volunteers.. https://nimhcontent.nimh.nih.gov/start/surveys/?s=TJW4RA4WN3LDD988
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1

64 Participants Needed

Stress Sensitivity and Depression for Blood Vessel Function

Newark, Delaware
The objective of this proposal is to determine whether heightened negative affective responsivity (NA-R) to daily stressors is related to blunted nitric oxide (NO)-mediated endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) in working age adults and the extent to which this association is impacted by major depressive disorder (MDD).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 55

18 Participants Needed

Engagement Navigator Service for Depression

Baltimore, Maryland
This project will develop a hub-based engagement navigator service for participants and families at high risk for disengagement. The investigators will use robust Participatory Research methods to ensure integration of Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) program staff, participants, and family members in developing all aspects of and materials for the service, conduct feasibility/acceptability testing in three CSC programs, and use this information to guide refinements. This will be followed by a mixed methods hub wide evaluation using a hybrid type I open cohort stepped wedge design to examine feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness to improve disengagement outcomes and address target mechanisms.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:13 - 35

555 Participants Needed

rTMS for TBI-related Depression

Fort Belvoir, Virginia
The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of two dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocols to alleviate symptoms of depression in United States (U.S.) military service members and veterans with a history of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 55

198 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

"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

"I've used SSRIs (Lexapro, Celexa) and they helped a bit but also, truthfully, they've had pretty serious sexual side effects. Depression was already hurting my marriage, and now these drugs continue to paralyze my it. I've heard that psilocybin-based treatments typically have no sexual side effects... I think a clinical trial will let me try safely."

LN
Depression PatientAge: 44

"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'm taking a medication for anxiety and it's not helping/working. I want to try and find something that would help with my anxiety. My research brought me to clinical trials."

ZD
Social Anxiety PatientAge: 36

rTMS + Cognitive Therapy for Depression

Bethesda, Maryland
Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment for depression. It stimulates the brain. Researchers want to see if using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans helps locate the best area for rTMS in each person. They also want to find other ways to make it more effective. Objective: To study the effects of combining MRI- guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and talk therapy on the brain in people with depression. Eligibility: Adults ages 18-75 with a major depressive disorder and current depression. If taking an antidepressant, should have been doing so for at least 4 weeks. Design: Participants will be screened with medical and psychiatric history, psychiatric evaluation, physical exam, and blood and urine tests. Phase 1 is 1-4 visits in 1 week. Participants will have: * Brain MRI. Participants will lie on a table in a scanner. * Questions about their medical history and psychology symptoms * Tests of mood and thinking * Tests of brain activity. Participants may do tasks during these tests: * A cone with magnetic detectors is put on the head. * A cap with electrodes is put on the scalp. * TMS. A brief electrical current passes through a wire coil on the scalp. * A metal disk will be placed on the arm. A nerve will be stimulated with a small electrical shock. Phase 2 is about 6 to 7 weeks. * There will be 30 daily sessions of combined therapy and repetitive TMS (rTMS) for 6 weeks. * Participants will receive rTMS and another therapy by computer. * For rTMS, repeated pulses will pass through the coil. * This is followed by up to 3 additional visits, when: * Participants will repeat Phase 1 tests * Participants will rate their depression symptoms. Phase 3 is 3 visits over 3 months. Participants will rate their depression symptoms and repeat some of the previous questionnaires and tests of mood and thinking.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

50 Participants Needed

Nature-Based + Virtual Mindfulness for Stress in Healthcare Workers

Bethesda, Maryland
This trial aims to reduce stress in healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients by combining outdoor activities with online mindfulness exercises. The goal is to see if this combination is more effective than either approach alone.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased

90 Participants Needed

eCBT for Depression

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
This trial will test online therapy sessions for depression in rural West Virginia and Kentucky. The therapy can be done alone or with support from a remote coach. It aims to improve mental health by changing negative thoughts and behaviors, with coaches providing extra help in guided sessions.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

3360 Participants Needed

JNJ-89495120 for Depression

Gaithersburg, Maryland
The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well JNJ-89495120 works (anti-depressant effects) and how well it is tolerated as compared to placebo on reducing the symptoms of depression in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:18 - 64

124 Participants Needed

NMRA 335140 for Depression

Charlottesville, Virginia
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

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

Bethesda, Maryland
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most impairing medical conditions in the world. Medication and some kinds of talk therapy are standard treatments for teens with MDD, but these do not work well for everyone. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been approved to treat MDD in adults. TMS might help adolescents, too. Objective: To test TMS combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in teens with MDD. Eligibility: People aged 13 to 17 years with MDD that has not responded to treatment. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam and psychiatric evaluation. They will have an MRI scan and a test of their heart function. They will enroll in 2 NIH protocols (01-M-0254 and 18-M-0037). For 2 to 6 weeks, participants will have weekly CBT, a kind of talk therapy. They will taper off of their psychiatric medicines. For 2 weeks, participants will come to the clinic every weekday. They will receive 3 or 4 sessions of TMS on each of those days. A wire coil will be held on their scalp. A brief electrical current in the coil creates a magnetic pulse that affects brain activity. They will receive 30 TMS pulses in 10-second bursts; these will be repeated 60 times in each 15-minute session. Participants may hear a click and feel a pulling sensation under the coil. They may feel their muscles twitch. Each day, they will have tests of concentration, thinking, and memory. Some may have a 3rd week of TMS. Participants will remain in the study for 5 more weeks. They will begin taking their medications again.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:13 - 17

80 Participants Needed

Probiotics for Bipolar Disorder

Towson, Maryland
The purpose of this study is to determine if taking a probiotic supplement versus a placebo will reduce relapse and improve the clinical course among participants who have been hospitalized for bipolar depression.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Age:18 - 65

80 Participants Needed

iLAST for Depression

Bethesda, Maryland
Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat people with severe depression. During ECT, the brain is given electric pulses that cause a seizure. Although it is effective, it can cause side effects, including memory loss. Researchers want to study a new way to give ECT called iLAST. Objective: To see if iLAST is safe and feasible in treating depression. Eligibility: People ages 22 70 years old who have major depressive disorder and are eligible for ECT Design: Participants will be screened under protocol 01-M-0254. This includes: Medical and psychiatric history and exam Blood and urine tests Participants will be inpatients at the Clinical Center. They study has 3 phases and will last up to 20 weeks. Phase I will last 1 week. It includes: MRI: Participants will lie in a scanner that takes pictures of the body MEG: A cone over the participant s head will record brain activity. TMS: A wire coil placed on the participant s scalp will produce an electrical current to affect brain activity. SEP: An electrode on the participant s wrist will give a small electrical shock to test nerve function. Phase II will last 2 and a half weeks. It includes: Seven sessions of iLAST under general anesthesia. Participants may also get standard ECT. EEG: A small electrode placed on the participant s scalp will record brain waves. Interviews about mood, symptoms, and side effects. Participants facial expressions may be video recorded. TMS Phase III will last at least 1 week. It will include: MRI EEG TMS MEG Standard ECT if needed. Participants will have sessions every other day, 3 times a week. Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Mental Health ...
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:22 - 70

20 Participants Needed

Digital Therapeutic for Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury

Bethesda, Maryland
This trial tests a mobile app designed to help military service members and veterans with mild traumatic brain injury reduce their depression. The app helps users change negative thoughts and behaviors to improve their mood. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective for various mental health issues, including depression, and can be delivered through different methods such as mobile apps.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Age:18 - 65

113 Participants Needed

Psilocybin for Depression

Rockville, Maryland
This trial is testing psilocybin, a substance from mushrooms, to see if it can help adults with depression who may not respond well to current treatments. Psilocybin works by affecting brain chemicals related to mood. Psilocybin has shown promise as a treatment for major depressive disorder and was designated as a breakthrough therapy by the FDA in 2019.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Sex:Male

240 Participants Needed

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How Do Clinical Trials Work?Are Clinical Trials Safe?What Can I Expect During a Clinical Trial?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Depression clinical trials in Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland?

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 Maryland?

Most recently, we added Pediatric Palliative Care for Rare Diseases, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain and Engagement Navigator Service for Depression 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 Maryland?

The Depression clinics in Maryland currently recognized as SuperSites are: Cenexel CBH (CBH Health) in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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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Fentanyl Test Strips for Preventing Opioid Overdose

CART for Anger Issues

Web-Based Intervention for Alcoholism in Military Families

Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block for Hip Fractures

Simulated Environment for Virtual Reality Therapy

HDR Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

ONCOFID-P-B for Bladder Cancer

Project PEER: Understanding the Lung Cancer Patient ExperiEnce

Salpingectomy with Delayed Oophorectomy for Ovarian Cancer

Family Intervention for Black Teens With Type 1 Diabetes

Acoustic Medicine for Circulation

Cryoablation + SD-101 for Liver Cancer

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