Depression

Washington

56 Depression Trials near Washington

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
Power Preferred
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

Power Preferred
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

Power Preferred

SP-624 for Depression

Everett, Washington
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:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

456 Participants Needed

Active on Power

ABX-002-2001 for Depression

Bellevue, Washington
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

Azetukalner for Depression

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

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Phase 3

460 Participants Needed

This 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

Solriamfetol for Depression

Everett, Washington
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

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

Trial Details

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

470 Participants Needed

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

AXS-05 for Depression

Everett, Washington
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

BI 1569912 for Depression

Everett, Washington
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

A double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial to evaluate the effect of preventative treatment of depression in survivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), a type of stroke.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

224 Participants Needed

JNJ-89495120 for Depression

Everett, Washington
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
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 64

124 Participants Needed

Zelquistinel for Depression

Bellevue, Washington
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

BHV-7000 for Depression

Bellevue, Washington
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

Bellevue, Washington
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

Centanafadine for Depression

Everett, Washington
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

Fosigotifator for Depression

Bellevue, Washington
Major depressive disorder (MDD; depression) is a mood disorder that causes a continued feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is a common and serious illness that can cause both emotional and physical symptoms such as feelings of sadness, irritability, not being able to focus on activities, tiredness, changes in eating habits, and aches and pains. The main goal of the study is to evaluate how safe and effective fosigotifator is in treating MDD. Fosigotifator (ABBV-CLS-7262) is a new treatment being developed for adult patients with depression. This study is double-blinded, which means that neither the patients nor the study doctors know who is given fosigotifator and who is given placebo. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups to receive fosigatofator or placebo. There is 1 in 2 chance that participants will receive placebo. Approximately 106 adult participants with MDD will be enrolled in approximately 15 sites across the world. Participants will receive oral fosigotifator or matching placebo. Duration of the study is approximately 144 days. There may be higher treatment burden for participants in this trial compared to their standard of care. Participants will attend regular weekly visits during the study at a hospital or clinic. The effect of the treatment will be checked by medical assessments, blood tests, checking for side effects and completing questionnaires.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1
Age:20 - 70

106 Participants Needed

Outdoor Walks for Depression

Seattle, Washington
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether outdoor walking in different environments-urban or natural-can reduce depressive symptoms among college students. The study also tests whether providing prompts for active engagement during nature walks enhances the benefits compared to unstructured nature walks. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) urban walk, (2) nature walk, or (3) active nature walk with guided interaction. Each participant will walk for 30 minutes, twice a week, for 3 weeks, complete questionnaires, and participate in interviews. Our primary outcome (PHQ-9) will be used to test the following two primary hypotheses: * Hypothesis 1: Participants in both nature walk conditions (combined) will show greater reductions in depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) than those in the urban walk group. * Hypothesis 2: Participants in the active nature walk will show greater reductions than those in the regular nature walk.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

180 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

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

FY
Depression PatientAge: 60

"I had a serious spinal cord injury four years ago, and my entire life turned upside down. I lost everything including a 10 year relationship. I became handicapped and part of that handicap is a mental handicap or I just can’t seem to find my happiness anymore. I go to events where everybody’s laughing, smiling, dancing, and having a good time, and I seem to just sit there like a bump on log. It feels like my spirit is broken. I want to feel happiness and motivation for life again."

YX
Depression PatientAge: 76

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

QP
Depression PatientAge: 55

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

MT
Anxiety PatientAge: 59
US residents who have mental health issues sign the informed consent form and are screened and enrolled for this study. Participants complete a survey upon enrollment and are randomized into one of two study arms. This study is direct to participant and will NOT utilize clinical sites.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:25 - 75

150 Participants Needed

Deep TMS for Depression

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

Trial Details

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

104 Participants Needed

The R33 will be a randomized controlled trial to replicate changes in the targets (unproductive processing, avoidance, reward deficits) from the R61 phase in a larger sample of 135 participants who have experienced a destabilizing life event involving profound loss or threat, report persistent stressor-related symptoms of PTSD and/or depression, and are elevated on symptoms related to 2 of the 3 therapeutic targets. Additionally, this study will examine Positive Processes and Transition to Health (PATH)'s impact on stressor-related psychopathology in comparison to Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). In the R33 phase, the investigators will examine changes in target mechanisms predicting improvements in PTSD and depressive symptoms, as well as feasibility and acceptability. Patients will receive 6 sessions of PATH or PMR (with 2 boosters, if partial responders). Primary targets will be assessed at pre-treatment, week 3, post-treatment, and at 1- and 3-month follow-up; secondary targets at pre-treatment, weekly during treatment, post-treatment, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

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

135 Participants Needed

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether the InMotion intervention, delivered via telehealth (using a HIPAA-compliant video platform or phone), which uses evidence-based behavioral and motivational counseling to increase daily physical activity, is an effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) for people who are at least one year out from sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The first aim is to compare the efficacy of the InMotion intervention to the waitlist control (WLC) condition on measures of depression severity and associated conditions in under-active adults with TBI and MDD. For the second aim the investigators plan to identify possible moderators of exercise treatment effects. The third aim will examine possible mediators of treatment outcome. In addition, the weekly dose of exercise, the extent to which exercise generates positive affect, and engagement in enjoyable or meaningful aspects of life will be explored.

Trial Details

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

80 Participants Needed

US residents who have mental health issues sign the informed consent form and are screened and enrolled for this study. Participants who are enrolled complete a survey upon enrollment and are randomized into one of three arms. This study is direct to participant and will NOT utilize clinical sites.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:25 - 75

150 Participants Needed

This study compares the effectiveness of technology-enhanced collaborative care management (t-CoCM) to usual collaborative care management (u-CoCM) in achieving fidelity to processes of care and reducing depression symptoms in patients currently receiving cancer treatment. CoCM is a population-based, integrated care approach, where care managers, who are clinicians (typically clinical social workers), deliver behavioral treatments, coordinate psychosocial care, monitor outcomes, and adjust treatment with the input of a psychiatric consultant. The use of t-CoCM may improve the treatment of depression and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

297 Participants Needed

This trial tests if regular people can effectively help seniors with depression by encouraging them to engage in enjoyable activities. It focuses on seniors aged 60 and above at senior centers, aiming to see if this approach can improve their mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:50 - 99

288 Participants Needed

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

This study is only enrolling at Baylor College of Medicine. The other research locations listed serve to support data analysis only. This research study is to investigate the use of technology called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to potentially improve Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression (TRBD) symptoms in patients with severe cases. DBS involves the surgical implantation of leads and electrodes into specific areas of the brain, which are thought to influence the disease. A pack implanted in the chest, called the neurotransmitter, keeps the electrical current coursing to the brain through a wire that connects the neurotransmitter and electrodes. It is believed DBS may restore balance to dysfunctional brain circuitry implicated in TRBD. The goal of this study is to enhance current approaches to DBS targeting in the brain and to use a novel approach to find a better and more reliable system for TRBD treatment. Its important for participants to understand that this is an investigational study where there could be a lack of effectiveness in improving TRBD symptoms. There may be no directly benefit from taking part in this study. This study is expected to last 20 months and involves 3 main steps. 1. Medical, psychiatric, and cognitive evaluations. 2. Implantation of a brain stimulation system. 3. Follow up after implantation of device, including programming, recording, and psychiatric testing. There are risks and benefits to this study which need to be considered when deciding to participate or not. Some of the risks are from surgery, the DBS device and programming, the tests involved, and potential loss of confidentiality, as well as other unknown risks. Some of the more serious risks involved in this study and the percentage that they occur: 1. Bleeding inside the Brain (1 to 2 percent). 2. Infection from the procedures (3 percent) 3. Seizure caused from the procedures (1.2 percent) However, the benefit of this study is that it may help relieve or decrease TRBD symptoms. This form of treatment has shown to reduce symptom severity in other cases. This could potentially improve quality of life and activities in daily routines. There is also a potential benefit to society in that the data the investigators will obtain from this study may help increase the understanding of the mechanisms underlying TRBD symptoms, as well as enhanced Deep Brain Stimulation techniques. Study participation is expected to last 20 months from the time the DBS device is activated and should include approximately 23 visits. These visits also include 8 separate, 24 hour stays at the Menninger NeuroBehvaioral Monitoring Unit (NBU). These 24-hour sessions will occur at multiple points throughout the study (1 week prior to surgery, the week preceding device activation, the week following activation, then after 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months). Participants will need to stay locally for the week of the NBU stay (typically Monday through Friday). Study visits will include clinician administered assessments and questionnaires, subject reported assessments, neuropsychological testing, and mobile behavioral assessments which will occur around 23 visits over the course of 20 months.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:22 - 64

10 Participants Needed

Azetukalner for Depression

Everett, Washington
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

450 Participants Needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 Washington?

Most recently, we added Morphine or Ketamine for Pain, Outdoor Walks for Depression and Azetukalner 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 Washington?

The Depression clinics in Washington currently recognized as Power Preferred are: Core Clinical Research in Everett, Washington Core Clinical Research in Everett, Washington Core Clinical Research in Everett, Washington

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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