Depression

Michigan

115 Depression Trials near Michigan

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
Active on Power

MM120 for Depression

Chicago, Illinois
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
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

140 Participants Needed

Active on Power
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

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

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

The purpose of this study is to compare the relative effectiveness, acceptability, and side effects of ketamine delivered through an IV (a drip into the arm) which is not currently FDA approved for use in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and Esketamine (Spravato®), taken as a nasal spray which has received FDA approval for use in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in the treatment of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The study will look at the following: * How well the treatment helps with symptoms of depression (effectiveness), * How comfortable and willing people are to use the treatment (acceptability), and * How well people can deal with any side effects from the treatment (tolerability). The study will also examine factors that may predict which treatment works better for certain patients.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

400 Participants Needed

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

This trial is testing solriamfetol, a medication that may help improve symptoms of depression. It targets adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who do not have psychotic features. Solriamfetol works by affecting brain chemicals involved in mood regulation, potentially helping to improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

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

300 Participants Needed

NMRA-335140 for Depression

Bloomfield Township, Michigan
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

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

This trial is testing four different medications to find the best treatment for adults with bipolar disorder type 1 who are currently depressed. The medications work by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood. The goal is to help patients recover from depression and stay well.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4

2726 Participants Needed

AXS-05 for Depression

Chicago, Illinois
This trial is testing AXS-05, a new medication, to see if it can prevent depression from returning in people who have already improved with it. The study focuses on those with major depressive disorder and aims to maintain their balanced brain chemicals to keep them feeling better. AXS-05 (a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion) has shown positive results in previous trials for major depressive disorder.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4
Age:18 - 65

350 Participants Needed

Research shows that sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) experience high rates of mental health problems and other challenges (e.g., social, academic). A major factor that leads to these challenges is family rejection (family behaviors and reactions that minimize, deny, ridicule and attempt to prevent or change a child's sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression). Racial and ethnic minority youth experience the highest rates of family rejection and related health risks. The Family Acceptance Project (FAP) is a research, education, and intervention initiative that was founded more than 20 years ago to help diverse families learn to support and affirm their SGMY. FAP's Family Support Model is grounded in the lived experiences of diverse SGMY and families and uses a culture-based family support framework that enables parents and caregivers to change rejecting behaviors that FAP's research has shown contribute to health risks and increase supportive and accepting behaviors that promote well-being for SGMY. The overall goal of this research project is to evaluate a nine-week online version of FAP's Family Support Model (FAP-O). The investigators will specifically study how FAP-O: 1. Promotes parent/caregiver acceptance and support of their sexual and gender minority youth. 2. Increases family bonding and communication. 3. Increases SGMYs' feelings of pride in being LGBTQ+ and more hopeful about the future. 4. Leads to reductions in mental health problems reported by SGMY who experience family rejection. Before receiving FAP-O's family support services, racial and ethnic minority SGMY (ages 14 to 20) and their caregivers will complete an initial pre-test survey. After completing this initial (baseline) survey, half of the families will participate in program sessions. Following the first round of sessions, all participants will complete an immediate follow-up survey, with an additional survey conducted six months after this. These surveys help us learn if FAP-O impacts the project's goals above. After the final survey, the other half of the families will attend program sessions. The investigators will also ask SGMY and caregivers to share what they liked about the program and their guidance for enhancing it.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:14+

180 Participants Needed

Perinatal depression (PND) is the most common complication in pregnancy and postpartum, which increases risk for adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, maternal suicidal thoughts, and impaired mother-infant bonding. Insomnia often precedes PND cases and may serve as an entry point for interventions preventing PND. The proposed project is a large-scale clinical trial to test the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based sleep program designed for pregnant women to improve sleep and alleviate cognitive arousal to reduce risk for PND across pregnancy and postpartum.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Sex:Female

500 Participants Needed

This is a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of ketamine infusions followed by a brief behavioral intervention in Veterans with chronic low back pain and depression.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

44 Participants Needed

To evaluate the acute and sustained antidepressant effects of nitrous oxide in people with major depressive disorder; and further evaluate these effects by identifying the optimal dose and regimen to guide current practice, and to plan a future large pragmatic trial.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

172 Participants Needed

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 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

The purpose of this study is to understand how a psychotropic medication called guanfacine affects brain network functioning in humans, and how this function interacts with cognitive impairments in people experiencing depressive symptoms.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 60

160 Participants Needed

Centanafadine for Depression

Oak Brook, Illinois
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 goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether learning about well-being impacts the thoughts and feelings of romantic couples. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does gaining knowledge about well-being positively impact individuals and their romantic relationships? Participants will complete online surveys about their thoughts and feelings.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

2000 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"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 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 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

"Tried Lexapro, Wellbutrin and another (forget which). Surgical accident destroyed my mental nerve and left me in chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. That was 15 years ago. Disabled and retired. I'm tired of this."

IH
Depression PatientAge: 73

"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
This study is a randomized Type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of Empower@Home, an internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program supported by social service providers, in comparison to enhanced usual care for depression in older adults with ambulatory disabilities. A total of 64 participants with ambulatory disabilities will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (Empower@Home) or the control group (enhanced usual care) in a 1:1 allocation ratio. This project addresses the following research questions: 1. Does the intervention affect individuals' lives in the following expected areas? 1. Does participation in the intervention lead to greater improvement in depressive symptoms than enhanced care as usual? 2. Does participation in the intervention lead to greater improvement in social engagement and activities than enhanced care as usual? 3. Is the intervention's primary effect mediated by CBT-related (e.g., CBT skills acquisition, cognitive distortions, and behavioral activation), engagement-related (e.g., character or storyline relatedness), and coach-related factors (e.g., therapeutic alliance)? 2. How is the intervention being adopted? What are the barriers and facilitators encountered during the implementation process?
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:50+

64 Participants Needed

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to test the efficacy of a fully digital intervention, combining the Lumen problem-solving therapy virtual coach for depression management with the Diabetes Prevention Program video-based program for weight loss, among racial and ethnic minorities with comorbid depression and obesity. The study aims include: * Determine the efficacy of the vCare intervention at 6 months. Primary outcomes are weight and depression symptom checklist 20-item (SCL-20) score. * Identify predictors of treatment success, defined by achieving clinically significant weight loss (5%) and depression outcomes (50% decline or SCL-20\<0.5), at 6 and 12 months. * Characterize participant experiences and perceptions of the vCare intervention. Eligible participants will be randomized to the early-intervention arm who will receive active treatment for 6 months, followed by maintenance for another 6 months, or the later-intervention arm who will be waitlisted for 6 months and then receive active treatment in the second 6 months.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:50 - 74

440 Participants Needed

This study is being done to see if the Healthy Minds Program app helps adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms. Up to 200 participants will be on study for 20 weeks.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:14 - 19

200 Participants Needed

This study is a randomized Type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of Empower@Home, an internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program supported by aging service providers, in comparison to enhanced usual care for homebound older adults with depressive symptoms. A total of 256 participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (Empower@Home) or the control group (enhanced usual care) in a 1:1 allocation ratio, with randomization stratified by participating agencies. The primary aim of this study is to determine the clinical effectiveness of the Empower@Home program. It is hypothesized that participants receiving Empower@Home will show greater improvements in depressive symptoms at 12, 24, and 36 weeks after entering the study compared to those receiving enhanced usual care. Additionally, treatment moderators will be explored and a cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted to assess the economic viability of the intervention. The second aim is to investigate the mechanisms of change facilitated by the intervention using a mixed-methods approach. Causal mediation analysis will examine whether the acquisition of CBT skills, reduction in cognitive distortions, and increased behavioral activation, as well as participant engagement and the therapeutic alliance with the coach, mediate the treatment effects. Qualitative interviews with participants will be conducted to provide deeper insights into these mechanisms and enhance the interpretation of the mediation analysis. The third aim focuses on evaluating the implementation process using the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). This will involve a qualitative process evaluation to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of Empower@Home, drawing on perspectives from multiple stakeholders.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:50+

256 Participants Needed

This research study is being conducted to better understand how college students develop and cope with stress and to identify opportunities to help students notice and respond to stress early before symptoms contribute to significant negative consequences. This project will be completed in two parts. In the first part (not a trial) participants will be asked to complete a screening survey to determine eligibility. Eligible participants (i.e., those with mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms and not receiving mental health care) will continue into the clinical trial portion (part two). It is anticipated that 100 students will continue to the clinical trial phase of the study, where they will be randomly assigned to the "assessment only" (n=25) or "intervention" (n=75) conditions.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:17+

100 Participants Needed

The Michigan Men's Diabetes Project III: Mind \& Motion is an 7-month pilot randomized clinical trial. The investigators are looking to recruit 80 Black men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (need to have diagnosis for at least one year) that are over the age of 18. Participants also must be under the care of a physician for their diabetes, self report an Hemoglobin A1c (A1C) of 7.0% or more in the last year, be willing to participate in study events (weekly physical activity, exercise and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions, group discussion sessions, and in-person health assessments), have reliable internet access (steady internet connection or unlimited data) that will allow them to use a tablet/phone/computer to complete study related tasks, live in the Wayne or Washtenaw County, and have reliable transportation to in-person events. All participants will receive 8 hours/sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants randomized to the intervention arm will also receive 8 sessions of guided exercise at the same time. Following that they will also receive 8 group discussion sessions that will serve as on-going support. All sessions will be help via Zoom. Additionally, all participants will participate in The 4 health assessments will take place at baseline, 10 weeks, 18 weeks, and 30 weeks.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Sex:Male

80 Participants Needed

In a sample of patients already receiving ketamine treatment as part of their clinical care, this project seeks to test whether we can enhance and/or extend ketamine's rapid effects by introducing helpful information delivered by a computer-based cognitive training protocol. This work could ultimately lead to the ability to treat depression more efficiently and with broader dissemination by rapidly priming the brain for helpful forms of learning.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased

600 Participants Needed

The aim of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention (delivered through a smartphone) for improving the mood, physical activity, and sleep of medical interns.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

1000 Participants Needed

This is a pilot randomized controlled trial of an adaptive 8-week text messaging intervention for depression self-management. Among 100 individuals with elevated depression symptoms, the investigators will compare the effects of 8 weeks of the adaptive text messaging intervention (n=40) to 8 weeks of a non-adaptive text messaging intervention (n=40), and 8 weeks of a psychoeducation-only intervention (n=20). The investigators will include a 6-month post-treatment follow-up to verify that treatment gains are maintained. Both messaging arms will receive 8 weeks of daily text messaging. Messages will prompt learning and applying cognitive and behavioral self-management strategies. Whereas the non-adaptive messaging system will randomly select daily messaging styles (representing a variety of self-management strategies and message tones), the adaptive messaging system will apply reinforcement learning to select daily messaging styles to maximize user engagement. Text messages will also be used to solicit feedback such as message ratings to inform the reinforcement learning algorithm (if applicable). The psychoeducation control group will receive a few brief text messages per week providing weblinks to access psychoeducation information. The investigators will recruit participants through digital methods (e.g., advertising on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram). Administration of study measures will occur at baseline, weeks 4 and 8, and 3-month and 6-month follow-up. The primary outcomes is depression symptom severity (PHQ-9). Secondary outcomes are: anxiety severity (GAD-7) and suicidality (DSI-SS). Using an Intention to Treat paradigm, the investigators will test our hypothesis that: H1: Relative to the psychoeducation-only control, messaging interventions will reduce depression (H1a) and anxiety and suicidal ideation (H1b). H2: Relative to non-adaptive messaging, adaptive messaging will reduce depression (H1a) and anxiety and suicidality (H2b). H3: Adaptive messaging will reduce depression relative to non-adaptive messaging by producing greater objective and subjective engagement.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

100 Participants Needed

Investigators will examine the efficacy of a faith-based depression intervention, in reducing symptoms of depression among African American adults in Wisconsin. Twelve church groups, each with 10 people (N=120) will be invited to participate. This intervention will be the first evidence-based, faith-based intervention designed for African Americans if validated.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

120 Participants Needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 Michigan?

Most recently, we added Sertraline + Guanfacine for Depression, Ketamine for Chronic Lower Back Pain and Depression and Mobile App for Depression to the Power online platform.

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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