Depression

South Carolina

57 Depression Trials near South Carolina

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

SP-624 for Depression

North Charleston, South Carolina
This trial is testing the efficacy of an investigational drug, SP-624 (study drug) to see how well it might work to treat major depressive disorder.

Trial Details

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

456 Participants Needed

Active on Power
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

Active on Power
This trial evaluates whether the investigational drug Osavampator (NBI-1065845) helps maintain antidepressant effect by delaying relapse in patients with MDD who had a stable response in the open-label phase.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

200 Participants Needed

Active on Power

ABX-002-2001 for Depression

North Charleston, South Carolina
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

Active on Power
This study is testing VLS-01, a treatment containing DMT that is placed in the mouth and dissolved, to see if it can quickly help people with depression who haven’t improved with other treatments. Participants will receive either 1 or 3 doses of VLS-01, with support throughout the study, to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Trial Details

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

142 Participants Needed

NRG-CC015 is a prospective, randomized phase III clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of two distinct digital approaches for delivering a mindfulness-based intervention: a live, instructor-led version delivered over Zoom (MAPs LO), and an app-based, self-paced version (MAPs App). Participants will include younger breast cancer survivors (BCS) who were diagnosed with breast cancer at or before age 50 years, have completed their primary cancer treatment (i.e., surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy) at least 6 months earlier, and report elevated depressive symptoms.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 50

402 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate whether Behavioral Activation for depression delivered via home based telehealth (BA-HT) is effective in improving social and role functioning in Veterans recently discharged from Cardiovascular disease (CVD-related) inpatient care. Eligible participants will receive either (1) twelve sessions of BA-HT or (2) standard best practices post CVD hospitalization care. Study participants will be 132 Veterans discharged from the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center inpatient care facilities with CVD diagnoses corresponding to ICD 10 codes I20-I25 (120 unstable angina, stable angina; 121 NSTEMI, STEMI, initial encounter; 122 NSTEMI, STEMI, subsequent encounter; 124 acute coronary syndrome; 125 coronary arteriosclerosis with angina). They will be male or female, age 21 and above, and with approximately 40-50% minority representation. There will be assessment at baseline, 1 week post treatment, as well as 3 and 9-months post treatment. The investigators predict that BA-HT will more effectively increase social role and activity functioning, activity, mood and reduce 9-month re-hospitalization compared to current best-practices post-discharge care among patients scoring at least moderately depressed on the PROMIS Depression scale one week following hospital discharge for a CVD event.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:21+

132 Participants Needed

X-NOVA2 is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of azetukalner as a monotherapy in adult participants diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

450 Participants Needed

NMRA-335140 for Depression

North Charleston, South Carolina
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

Monroe, North Carolina
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

Mobile TMS for Depression

Charleston, South Carolina
In this pilot study, investigators propose to design and create a portable TMS unit, in a van, and then test out delivering TMS in three different locations in South Carolina, all affiliated with MUSC and within 2-hours driving from Charleston, SC. This study would test out this new delivery mode, and provide valuable feasibility, safety, and efficacy lessons for later refinement and potential widespread adoption of mobile TMS as a treatment option, both in our state and across the US.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4
Age:22 - 80

30 Participants Needed

Ropanicant for Depression

Savannah, Georgia
The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of Ropanicant at two different dosage levels compared to placebo in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Trial Details

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

195 Participants Needed

BHV-7000 for Depression

North Charleston, South Carolina
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

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

73 Participants Needed

BI 1569912 for Depression

Savannah, Georgia
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

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

Physical Capacity Training for Stroke

Charleston, South Carolina
Cardiac rehabilitation is the standard-of-care treatment option for patients with cardiovascular disease and has been shown to improve many aspects critical to patient recovery. Investigators believe that individuals who have had a stroke need to be treated similarly. Investigators will study the effects of a comprehensive modified cardiac rehabilitation program to determine if it can improve some of the physical and psychosocial problems common in survivors of stroke with and without depression.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

76 Participants Needed

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate different depression treatment approaches among cancer survivors. A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who is living and has been diagnosed with cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive a mobile app for depression treatment, called "Moodivate", or to receive telehealth depression treatment sessions. Approximately 2/3 of participants enrolled will receive the mobile app and the remaining 1/3 will receive depression treatment via telehealth. Participants that receive Moodivate may later be assigned to also receive depression treatment via telehealth based their response to the Moodivate app. Participants will be asked to either use the Moodivate app and/or receive depression treatment via telehealth for a period of 10 weeks. All participants will be asked to electronic questionnaire measures throughout the study period. Questionnaires will assess symptoms of depression, as well as general experiences using Moodivate and participating in this trial. Participation in this study will take about 24 weeks. Participation in this study may help improve options for emotional wellness for cancer survivors. The greatest risks of this study include frustration, worsening of emotional distress, data breach, and/or loss of confidentiality.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

45 Participants Needed

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

Trial Details

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

420 Participants Needed

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a mobile application (app) for depression treatment called "Moodivate" among cancer survivors. Moodivate was developed by our research team to assist with the treatment of depressed mood. Participants will be randomly assigned to either download the mobile app, "Moodivate", or not. Approximately 2/3 of participants enrolled will receive the mobile app and the remaining 1/3 will not. All participants will complete electronic questionnaire measures throughout the study period. Questionnaires will assess symptoms of depression, as well as your experiences using Moodivate and participating in this trial. Participation in this study will take about 12 weeks, beginning today. Participation in this study may help in the treatment of future cancer survivors. The greatest risks of this study include frustration, worsening of emotional distress, data breach, and/or loss of confidentiality. Alternative treatments include contacting your primary care provider or your oncology care team to discuss other available treatments for depressed mood.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

279 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 experienced drug resistant MDD for 2 decades. I have had no success with CBT and medication, nor either alone. I had success once with TMS, about 5 sessions, in 2014. I have not had TMS since then."

YB
Depression PatientAge: 58

"My long history of depression has been met with a long list of trial and error drugs. My current medication (generic Pristiq) has been prescribed for two decades (though I tried several other medications during my last serious episode several years ago. When the episode passed I returned to generic Pristiq. I am interested in a clinical trial because I wonder if I can do something different to more effectively avoid a serious depressive episode and lift the general malaise I often feel."

DD
Depression PatientAge: 62

"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 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
The goal of this phase II study is to establish the dose-response curves of a safe and clinically feasible non-invasive brain stimulation technique (accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)) to improve both depression and cognitive function in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients with comorbid depression. It is known that TMS can effectively treat depression. Identifying the right dose of accelerated TMS in MCI patients is necessary prior to designing subsequent trials to determine efficacy. These results will inform future clinical trials of accelerated TMS for MCI, with the long-term goal of developing an efficacious treatment to prevent dementia.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:60 - 85

60 Participants Needed

taVNS + TMS for Depression

Charleston, South Carolina
This trial tests a combined treatment for depression using electrical signals to a nerve in the ear and magnetic stimulation of the brain. It aims to see if this combination is more effective than either treatment alone. The study involves people with depression and uses methods that can help improve mood. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive procedure that stimulates electrical activity in the brain and has been found effective for treating depression.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

24 Participants Needed

High-Dose rTMS for Depression

Charleston, South Carolina
High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to be safe, feasible, and acceptable. Conventionally, rTMS investigations have relied on rational decision trees for dosage determination. The purpose of this study is to systematically examine an accelerated protocol of intermittent theta burst (iTBS). Study 1 aims to provide a quantifiable dose-response curve for iTBS and depressive symptom reduction in major depression. Study 2 aims to determine the role of individual variations of their functional networks compared to the site of stimulation and clinical outcomes.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 60

70 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a new treatment for depression called rTMS in people who have spinal cord injuries. rTMS uses magnets to stimulate the brain. The study will check if this treatment is safe and if it helps reduce depression symptoms. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been researched for over 15 years and is considered an effective treatment for depression.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

14 Participants Needed

CBT-I vs. MBTI for TBI-Related Insomnia

Fort Bragg, North Carolina
This study is a prospective two-arm, single blind randomized controlled trial design to compare the clinical effectiveness of telemedicine-delivered, 6-session, standardized cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and mindfulness-based treatment for insomnia (MBTI) in treating insomnia symptoms and ameliorating depressive symptoms in persons with mild to moderate TBI and comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) and insomnia symptoms in a 360 patients. Participants will undergo assessment (psychosocial questionnaires, neurocognitive testing, sleep monitoring) at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at 2-, 6- and 12-weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome is sleep as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

360 Participants Needed

SAINT Stimulation for Depression

Charleston, South Carolina
This trial tests a device that uses magnetic pulses to help adults with severe depression and suicidal thoughts who haven't improved with standard treatments. The device targets a specific brain area to improve mood and reduce suicidal thoughts. This method has shown promising results as an alternative to other treatments for severe depression.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting

100 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

RE104 for Postpartum Depression

Monroe, North Carolina
This trial is testing whether a single injection of RE104 can help reduce depression in women who have moderate-to-severe postpartum depression. The goal is to see if this treatment works effectively. The exact way RE104 works isn't detailed, but it likely helps by affecting brain chemicals related to mood.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 45
Sex:Female

72 Participants Needed

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

NORA520 for Postpartum Depression

Monroe, North Carolina
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:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 45
Sex:Female

90 Participants Needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Depression clinical trials in South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

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 South Carolina?

Most recently, we added rTMS for Depression After Spinal Cord Injury, SAINT Neuromodulation for Postpartum Depression and Behavioral Activation Therapy for Cancer Survivors with 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 South Carolina?

The Depression clinics in South Carolina currently recognized as SuperSites are: Coastal Carolina Research Center in North Charleston, South Carolina

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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