Depression

Washington

73 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
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

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

US residents who have obesity and 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 two arms. This study is direct to participant and will not utilize clinical sites.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:25+

60 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 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

Psilocybin for Depression

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

Trial Details

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

240 Participants Needed

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

VNS for Bipolar Depression

Seattle, Washington
This trial is testing whether VNS Therapy, which sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, can reduce depression symptoms in patients who haven't responded to other treatments. The study will observe the effects of VNS therapy over a year. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a recognized treatment for severe treatment-resistant depression and has shown promising results.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

6800 Participants Needed

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate if a digital group intervention (named IMAGINE) can prevent depression in perinatal populations. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does IMAGINE engage cognitive behavioral therapy targets? Does IMAGINE lead to lower depression scores? Is IMAGINE acceptable, appropriate, usable and feasible? Participants will be randomized to either participate in an IMAGINE group for 12 weeks or receive standard of care. Participants will respond to questionnaires at enrollment and study visits at 12 and 24 weeks after enrollment.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:16+
Sex:Female

100 Participants Needed

Measurement based care (MBC) is an emerging best practice involving serial assessment of clinical status and using those findings to inform clinical decision making. However, there is a lack of research on how to best apply principles of MBC for patients with bipolar disorder. The proposed project goal is to assess the feasibility of comparing effectiveness of measurement-based care (MBC) to enhanced usual care in a randomized trial. Many individuals with bipolar disorder experience fluctuating depressive and manic symptoms which can impair functioning and reduce quality of life. The main hypothesis is that treatment adjustments will occur more often in the MBC group than the enhanced usual care group. The exploratory hypothesis is that symptoms of bipolar disorder will decrease more in the MBC group than the enhanced usual care group.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting

30 Participants Needed

Active on Power

ABX-002 for Bipolar Depression

Bellevue, Washington
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if ABX-002 added to participants' existing treatment shows effects on brain chemistry that may relate to anti depressive effects This is a single treatment arm, open-label, Phase 2 study of ABX-002 in 30 adults with bipolar disorder and 5 healthy volunteers. Healthy volunteer participants will receive no drug treatment and will undergo 2 imaging sessions to confirm instrument and test - retest method reliability control. For bipolar disorder participants with depression, the study will include 3 study periods: 1. Screening Period of up to 4 weeks 2. 6-week Treatment Period 3. 2-week post dose Safety Follow-up Period. For healthy volunteers, the study will include 2 study periods: 1. Screening Period of up to 3 weeks 2. Imaging Period of up to 3 weeks.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

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

35 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

PRISM for Cancer

Seattle, Washington
Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial testing the efficacy of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention among Adolescents and Young Adults with Advanced Cancer
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:12 - 24

195 Participants Needed

This trial is testing two new ways to treat depression in people with chronic kidney disease. One method uses therapy sessions over the phone or internet, and the other uses a medication called bupropion. If one method doesn't work after a certain period, the other is added. The goal is to see if these treatments can improve depression and overall health in these patients. Bupropion is a second-generation antidepressant commonly used to treat depression, including in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

201 Participants Needed

Atypical antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine, cause metabolic side effects, including weight gain, extra fat around the middle of the body, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. One of the mechanisms by which these medications may cause these effects is by reducing plasma melatonin. This study is a pilot project to evaluate 1) the effect of olanzapine on melatonin secretion levels and 2) the effect of melatonin on olanzapine-induced changes in melatonin secretion in patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or bipolar disorder.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Age:18 - 65

40 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a parenting intervention+usual care compared to usual care on postpartum depression and other mental health and parenting outcomes, as well as the feasibility and acceptability of the parenting intervention.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

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

60 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 primary purpose of this investigation is to examine the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) exercise (Supernatural exergaming via Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC) for improving mental health as indicated by (1) both short-term mood (one exercise bout) and long-term (10-weeks) mood (depression and anxiety symptoms), (2) well-being (i.e., vitality) over a 10-week period, and (3) perceived cognitive function over a 10-week period. The secondary purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of VR exercise for improving both physical activity behaviour and physical activity motivation (attitudes, capability, opportunity, behavioural regulation, habit, identity) over a 10-week period. The tertiary purpose is to examine whether key motivational variables (e.g., attitudes, capability, opportunity, behavioural regulation, habit, identity) regarding Supernatural use explain variability in Supernatural use over time.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:19 - 64

150 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a culturally grounded training program, xaʔtus (meaning First Face) for Mental Health. This program will train community members in how to recognize and respond to youth and adults experiencing mental health crises and ways to serve as a bridge between these individuals and the help they need. All Healing Lodge staff are being asked to complete First Face training. To evaluate First Face, the investigators will ask all trainees to complete surveys before and after training, and again 3 months later. These surveys will measure knowledge about mental health and addiction, as well as the ability and confidence to respond appropriately to mental health crises. The study will help the investigators understand whether the First Face training program influences mental health and attitudes, as well as responses to mental health crisis situations.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting

100 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"I’ve had depression for many years and been on a LOT of different medications. They work for awhile and then they just stop working. It’s very frustrating. I am very open to trying something new and different. Just looking to fight this, head on."

ZX
Depression PatientAge: 55

"I was first diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety over twenty years ago. I have tried different medications. Had to come off medications due to pregnancies, and have worked through different side effects like weight gain, nausea, sleepiness, and the more severe where i have tried to claw my way out of my skin it itched so bad. I dont want other people to have to go through this and I wish I could be off of my medication for good but it just hasnt happened. IF something is out there to improve the life of an anxious and/or depressed person I'd like to be able to say I helped find it."

HD
Depression PatientAge: 46

"I have struggled my entire life with depression. I feel like it took away half my life because I've been unable to truly feel the good times and people around me, like I'm numb. I would like to take part to see if it might help me, but I would also like to help others by doing this trial if I am accepted. I would love to enjoy life and truly feel the happy experiences that might come my way rather than observe them without feeling."

EW
Depression PatientAge: 45

"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
The Community Youth Development Study is an experimental test of the Communities That Care (CTC) prevention planning system. It has been designed to find out if communities that were trained to use the CTC system improved public health by reducing rates of adolescent drug use, delinquency, violence, and risky sexual behavior when compared to communities that did not use this approach. The primary purpose of the current continuation study is to investigate whether CTC has long-term effects on substance use, antisocial behavior, and violence, as well as secondary effects on educational attainment, mental health, and sexual risk behavior in young adults at ages 26 and 28. The continuation study also examines (a) how the interaction of social, normative, and legal marijuana contexts creates variation in the permissiveness of individuals' marijuana environments from late childhood to young adulthood and (b) whether, when, and for whom permissive marijuana environments increase marijuana and ATOD use and misuse from age 11 to 28 and interfere with the adoption of adult roles.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:10+

52323 Participants Needed

Aticaprant for Depression

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

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:18 - 64

350 Participants Needed

This trial tests a new medication in people with major depression who haven't improved with at least two other treatments. The drug works by changing brain chemicals to improve mood quickly. It has been approved for adults with difficult-to-treat depression and has been tested in various forms.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:18 - 65

90 Participants Needed

Seltorexant for Depression

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

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting

752 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a new medication called COMP360 to help people with severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. The study involves adults aged 18 and older. Researchers want to see if a single dose of COMP360 can reduce depression symptoms when given with psychological support.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

255 Participants Needed

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral coping skills program, Treatment and Education Approach for Childhood-onset Lupus (TEACH), for youth with cSLE when integrated into medical care. This TEACH program aims to teach participants skills in order to cope with fatigue, pain, and depressive symptoms--symptoms that commonly affect adolescents and young adults with lupus.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:12 - 22

175 Participants Needed

This trial tests a natural THC-based medicine called IGC-AD1, given in small doses regularly. It targets people aged 60 and above with Alzheimer's-related dementia who have been experiencing agitation. The THC in the medicine helps reduce agitation by interacting with brain signals. The most recent trial reported significant improvement in agitation using nabilone.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:60+

164 Participants Needed

Pain is common in children presenting to the emergency department but is frequently undertreated, leading to both short- and long-term consequences. Morphine is the standard treatment for children with moderate to severe acute pain, but its use is associated with serious side effects and caregiver and clinician concerns related to opioid administration. The investigators aim to determine if sub-dissociative ketamine is non-inferior to morphine for treating acute pain and a preferable alternative for treating acute pain in children because of its more favorable side effect profile and potential long-term benefits related to pain-related function, analgesic use/misuse, and mental and behavioral health outcomes.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:6 - 17

1010 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to use a stepped-care approach in treating symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The information learned by doing this study may help us to develop some target treatments for PTSD symptoms in survivors of stem cell transplant. Participants in this study will be randomized to a mobile app or usual care. An assessment will be made after 4 weeks and a determination made of adding more intensive treatment. Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire 4 times over a period of 6 months, at the time your participation is complete.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

524 Participants Needed

US residents who have gastrointestinal 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:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:25 - 75

150 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 Psilocybin for Depression, Morphine or Ketamine for Pain and Communication Skills for Cannabis Use 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

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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