Treatment Resistant Depression

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93 Treatment Resistant Depression Trials Near You

Power is an online platform that helps thousands of Treatment Resistant 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 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

Treatment resistant depression remains a major problem for individuals and society. Surgical procedures may provide relief for some of these patients. The most frequently considered surgical approach is deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a part of the brain called the subcallosal cingulate region. However, the effectiveness and safety is not well established. The investigators will use a novel approach using advanced imaging technique (magnetic resonance tractography) to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this surgical approach. An innovative method for the definition of DBS target will be applied that redefines the concept of targeting as one of targeting a symptomatic network rather than a structural brain region using subject-based brain anatomy to define the target location. The correlation between imaging findings at baseline with the mood score changes at different time points of the study will be investigated.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:21 - 70

12 Participants Needed

This research study will investigate the safety, tolerability, and benefit of bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the lateral habenula in subjects with treatment-resistant major depression (TRD) secondary to either nonpsychotic unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD), or bipolar disorder (BD) I. Six adult subjects with TRD will be treated in this single-site study at Baylor College of Medicine; subjects will be chronically symptomatic with significant functional disability, and will have demonstrated resistance to standard somatic and pharmacotherapeutic treatments. The primary outcome measure will be the change in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS\^17) six months after the commencement of stimulation.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:21 - 70

6 Participants Needed

The core objective of this study is to enhance the translational potential of this electroencephalogram (EEG) biomarker by using ketamine(KET)-induced gamma potentiation as a prognostic marker of 4-week treatment outcome. Previous research focused exclusively on KET-induced gamma band potentiation (GBP) in the context of a single infusion. Our study design captures the clinical variation associated with real-world treatment resistant depression (TRD) patients and allows us to analyze the relative importance of GBP to antidepressant symptom reduction across the induction phase of treatment. If successful, it provides a compelling rationale for a larger prospective investigation of gamma dynamics as a moderator of outcome to varied TRD therapies which impact the balance of cortical excitation and inhibition.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1
Age:21 - 45

100 Participants Needed

We propose a clinical study of medial forebrain bundle DBS as a treatment in 20 patients with treatment refractory depression (TRD). Data from the University of Bonn indicates that surgical lesions of the medical forebrain bundle can produce therapeutic benefits in patients with depressive disorders, and suggest that DBS at the same site may also reduce symptomatology in these TRD patients (Schaepfer, 2013). Depression affects up to 10% of the US population and of those at least 10-15% do not benefit from therapies hence why we must explore new treatments. The Percept™ PC system manufactured by Medtronic Neurological will be used in this study. Study subjects will be between the ages of 22 and 70 years of age and suffer from TRD, have failed multiple treatment regimens, including ECT, and remain symptomatic. Those identified as TRD patients will then be enrolled in a clinical pilot study investigating DBS, targeting the MFB.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:22 - 70

16 Participants Needed

This trial uses special cells from donated bone marrow to treat patients with bipolar depression who haven't responded to standard treatments. The cells may help by reducing inflammation and promoting brain healing. This approach has shown promise in preventing depression and anxiety in animal studies.
Stay on current meds

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1
Age:18 - 65

30 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and side effects magnetic seizure therapy (MST) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Bipolar Depression (MST-BpD) and Treatment Resistant Depression (MST-TRD).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:22 - 85

60 Participants Needed

For patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a single low dose of intravenous (IV) ketamine can help relieve symptoms as quickly as 24 hours later. The main problem with IV ketamine for TRD is that the effect is short-lived, lasting only days to 1 or 2 weeks. Furthermore, IV ketamine is a resource-intensive treatment, and the safety of long-term, repeated use for depression is unknown. To provide this treatment in a safe and cost-effective way, Investigators must allocate it efficiently to those patients who have the greatest need and probability of benefit. Therefore, this project aims to find clinical features (signs, symptoms, and parts of a patient's history) that will help predict which patients are most likely to respond to a single dose of IV ketamine for TRD. This will help guide patient selection and triaging. Investigators will recruit 40 participants with TRD over one year, and randomize them to one of two conditions (ketamine followed by an active placebo 3-weeks later, or vice versa). With clinical data collected through detailed interviews, questionnaires, actigraphy, speech sampling, electroencephalography (EEG), and computerized tasks, this study design will let us evaluate how well such factors predict (A) rapid response at 24-hours, and (B) sustained response at 7 and 14 days.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:18 - 65

40 Participants Needed

This trial tests whether combining rTMS with daily supportive text messages (Text4Support) is more effective than rTMS alone for people with Treatment-Resistant Depression. rTMS helps activate brain areas related to mood, while Text4Support offers daily encouragement and mental health tips. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been studied extensively for its antidepressant effects, showing variable efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

200 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and feasibility of sequencing psilocybin therapy with a short-duration, aiTBS protocol (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy, or SAINT) in individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:22 - 65

100 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of psilocybin on the symptom of anhedonia in individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:21 - 75

40 Participants Needed

This trial tests if using high doses of ketamine for a short period can help people with severe depression who haven't responded to other treatments. If ketamine doesn't work, they can switch to another treatment. The goal is to see if this approach reduces depression faster and with fewer side effects compared to traditional methods. Ketamine has recently emerged as a fast-acting treatment alternative for patients with treatment-resistant depression, and it has been used in conjunction with other treatments to potentially enhance its effects.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4

62 Participants Needed

This study will evaluate a new form of non-invasive brain stimulation for individuals with depression. Personalized low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation will be delivered using a range of stimulation parameters during psychological and physiological monitoring. Individualized optimal targets will be selected using structural MRI and diffusion tractography. Brain target engagement will be evaluated using functional MRI.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1, 2
Age:18 - 65

30 Participants Needed

This trial tests tDCS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, on patients with severe depression who haven't responded to multiple treatments. The goal is to see if tDCS can help improve their mood by using a small electrical current to stimulate specific brain areas. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been investigated for its potential to treat depression, especially in patients who do not respond well to medication.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

60 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a new brain stimulation treatment to help people with hard-to-treat depression who have suicidal thoughts. The treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas several times. Researchers hope this will improve brain communication and reduce suicidal thoughts. This type of brain stimulation has been studied before and has shown positive effects.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

76 Participants Needed

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved therapy for treatment resistant depression (TRD) that involves brief magnetic stimulation pulses on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) brain region. But studies of rTMS alone show remission rates of ~30%. Additionally, rTMS has not been shown to improve cognitive functioning that may be an independent factor predicting treatment success. This study will develop a novel multimodal treatment, which combines intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) - a type of rTMS with digital mindfulness training to engage brain plasticity, enhance cognition and alleviate depression symptoms in individuals with TRD.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

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

70 Participants Needed

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of an innovative approach to treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), particularly in cases where patients have not responded well to traditional therapies. Specifically, the objective is to evaluate the antidepressant effects of a Dose-Optimized and Spaced Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (DOS-tDCS) protocol in participants with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) compared to spaced tDCS only and sham tDCS in a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT). The proposed method involves applying low-intensity electrical currents through the scalp in a manner that is both more intense and more frequently spaced than standard treatments. This approach is hypothesized to lead to a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the experimental group receiving the DOS-tDCS treatment, a group receiving spaced tDCS only, or a control group receiving a sham (placebo) treatment. Outcomes will be measured over a period of six weeks. The study's goal is to offer a potentially more accessible and effective treatment option for individuals who have not benefited from existing MDD therapies.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

75 Participants Needed

rTMS for Depression

Vancouver, British Columbia
Heartbeat is controlled by the brain and is regular but flexible to change in response to environmental and internal stimuli. This feature is known as heart rate variability (HRV). Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with diminished HRV and this is a reflection of abnormal brain function caused by MDD. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment that stimulates specific areas of the brain. The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that rTMS induces changes in connectivity between the area of the brain stimulated with rTMS and deeper areas in the brain associated to heart rate regulation. 110 patients with TRD will be recruited and will undergo a concurrent TMS-fMRI session before receiving a course of iTBS to the L-DLPFC for 30 sessions at 120% rMT.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:19 - 65

110 Participants Needed

This trial compares intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) to low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LFR) in regards to depression and anxiety outcomes in 100 patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

100 Participants Needed

aiTBS for Depression

Palo Alto, California
This trial investigates whether aiTBS, a type of brain stimulation using magnetic fields, can help people with bipolar II disorder who haven't responded to other treatments. The treatment targets a specific brain area to improve mood and reduce depression. Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) is a noninvasive neurostimulation technique that shows promise for improving clinical outcomes in treatment-resistant depression.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

60 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"I’ve tried so many drugs and treatments for depression it won’t go away or if it does it just comes back. I want to help others who may have this awful condition while also helping myself. If something new works for me, maybe it'll work for other people too."

WK
Depression PatientAge: 56

"I've heard great things about ketamine for treatment resistant depression and PTSD but haven't been able to try it. I've been struggling to find something to alleviate my symptoms since my son passed away in 2017."

XB
Treatment-Resistant Depression PatientAge: 54

"I've tried 8 or 9 different combinations of antidepressants (SSRI, SNRI, etc) + antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics... I’ve been through on- and off-label treatments, I've had at least 4 serious side effcts in the 10 years I've been on antidepressants. I've done PGx testing for genetic markers, too. My experience finding appropriate treatment has been lonely, exhausting. I'd love to participate in something that helps others like me."

HZ
Treatment-Resistant Depression PatientAge: 31

"I tried Prozac, Lamictal, TMS, a psychotherapy, and mindfulness meditation. These treatments provided limited relief. I hope for a new treatment that will be more effective. Looking for something that lasts long-term so that I can get my life back."

HY
Depression PatientAge: 63

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

ZD
Anxiety PatientAge: 36

Accelerated TMS for Depression

Stanford, California
This study evaluates an accelerated schedule of theta-burst stimulation using a transcranial magnetic stimulation device for treatment-resistant depression. In a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled fashion, half the participants will receive accelerated theta-burst stimulation while half will receive sham treatment.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:22 - 65

100 Participants Needed

This trial tests a faster brain stimulation treatment for people with depression who don't respond to usual treatments. The treatment uses magnetic pulses to activate underactive brain areas and improve mood. This method has been explored as an alternative treatment for depression, particularly for patients who do not respond to usual treatments.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation

90 Participants Needed

This study will investigate the anti-anhedonic efficacy of a novel neurostimulation strategy termed accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) in participants with treatment resistant depression (TRD).

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

79 Participants Needed

This study will investigate the anti-anhedonic efficacy of a novel neurostimulation strategy termed accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) in participants with treatment resistant depression (TRD).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

16 Participants Needed

This trial will compare active intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) rTMS in an accelerated treatment schedule (8 treatment sessions per day for 5 days) to a placebo control. Depression symptom severity will be measured before, during, at end of treatment, 1-week post and 4-weeks post treatment.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Age:18 - 65

200 Participants Needed

This study will examine if brain insulin resistance is a feature of depression in humans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures sensitive to brain insulin action. This study will examine adolescents, as depression onset commonly occurs during this age, and the impacts of cumulative medication exposure and other lifestyle-related confounds are also lower in this age group, improving our ability to understand the underlying biology.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:14 - 18

24 Participants Needed

Single-center study to determine the relationship between changes in depression symptoms and electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

31 Participants Needed

This trial tests a new software tool that helps doctors use MRI images to precisely target brain stimulation in patients with depression that doesn't respond to standard treatments. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) was originally developed to manage movement disorders like Parkinson's Disease and has shown effectiveness in treating refractory depression.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 60

12 Participants Needed

Enhanced ECT for Depression

Minneapolis, Minnesota
The purpose of this research study is to find an alternative version of ECT that reduces the negative side effects (mainly memory loss) while still providing patients with relief from depressive symptoms. Previous forms of ECT may use Bilateral (electrodes on both sides of the head) or Right Unilateral (RUL) (electrodes on one side of the head). Our research focuses on adjusting the placement of electrodes on one side of the head in order to better stimulate the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) of the brain. By more specifically targeting the PFC, it is predicted that participants will receive the same benefit as ECT but will have fewer negative side effects after the treatment, mainly less memory loss. All other aspects of the treatment will be similar to regular, clinical ECT, including anesthesia and recovery monitoring. To accomplish this stimulation, an adjusted MECTA Spectrum 5000Q device will be used. If successful, this research study will demonstrate a way to improve ECT procedures for all patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder by minimizing side effects and maintaining or improving efficacy.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:22 - 90

20 Participants Needed

This trial uses a new method to help patients with severe epilepsy and depression. It records and stimulates specific brain areas to better understand and improve social and emotional brain functions.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:22 - 70

84 Participants Needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Treatment Resistant Depression clinical trials 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 Treatment Resistant Depression clinical trials 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 Treatment Resistant Depression trials 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 for Treatment Resistant 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 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 Treatment Resistant Depression medical study?

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 Treatment Resistant Depression clinical trials?

Most recently, we added Nitrous Oxide for Acute Suicidality, Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Depression and Low Frequency rTMS for Bipolar 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 Treatment Resistant Depression trials?

The Treatment Resistant Depression clinics currently recognized as Power Preferred are: Adams Clinical in Watertown, Massachusetts The Treatment Resistant Depression clinics currently recognized as SuperSites are: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) - OSU Harding Hospital in Columbus, Ohio Boston Clinical Trials (Alcanza Network) in Boston, Massachusetts BioBehavioral Research of Austin in Austin, Texas

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