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Home › Conditions › Depression

Depression

Subtypes of Depression

Depressive Symptoms 21 Depressive episodes 1

229 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Depression

806 trials tracked for Depression: 207 in phase 3 or 4 and 79 with published results. The most-cited published study has 1069 citations.

806Trials tracked
207Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
79With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 115 Phase 3 92 Phase 2 97 Phase 1 21 Other / NA 481
  1. Phase 3 Magnetic Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Adult Depression Completed · 1,069 cited
  2. Phase 3 A Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of SAGE-547 in Participants With Moderate Postpartum Depression (547-PPD-202C) Completed · 789 cited
  3. Phase 3 A Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of SAGE-547 in Participants With Severe Postpartum Depression (547-PPD-202B) Completed · 787 cited
  4. Phase 4 Research Study for Major Depressive Disorder: Investigation of Glutamate Medications Completed · 600 cited
  5. Phase 4 Stepped Care for Depression and Musculoskeletal Pain Completed · 447 cited
  6. Phase 3 A Study to Evaluate SAGE-217 in Participants With Severe Postpartum Depression Completed · 263 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 ELEKT-D: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) vs. Ketamine in Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) Completed · 262 cited
  2. Phase 3 Depression in Alzheimer's Disease-2 Completed · 247 cited
  3. Phase 3 Perimenopausal Estrogen Replacement Therapy Study Completed · 246 cited
  4. Phase 4 Improving Sleep and Psychological Functioning in People With Depression and Insomnia Completed · 237 cited
  5. Phase 4 Research Evaluating the Value of Augmenting Medication With Psychotherapy Completed · 213 cited
  6. Phase 3 Treatments for Depression: Drug Versus Psychotherapy Completed · 153 cited
  7. Phase 4 Reducing Suicidal Ideation Through Insomnia Treatment Completed · 152 cited
  8. Phase 3 TRIAD - Treatment of Insomnia and Depression Completed · 152 cited
  9. Phase 4 Predictors of Antidepressant Response Completed · 149 cited
  10. Phase 3 Early Palliative Care With Standard Care or Standard Care Alone in Improving Quality of Life of Patients With Incurable Lung or Non-colorectal Gastrointestinal Cancer and Their Family Caregivers Completed · 130 cited
  11. Phase 3 A Trial of AXS-05 in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Completed · 128 cited
  12. Phase 3 Chronic Kidney Disease Antidepressant Sertraline Trial Completed · 124 cited
  13. Phase 3 A Trial of Sertraline vs. CBT for End-stage Renal Disease Patients With Depression {ASCEND} Completed · 115 cited
  14. Phase 4 Inflammation-related Alterations in Neurocircuitry: Reversal With Levodopa Completed · 113 cited
  15. Phase 3 Does Fish Oil Prevent Depression in Pregnancy and Postpartum? Completed · 112 cited
  16. Phase 3 Lumateperone Monotherapy for the Treatment of Bipolar Depression Conducted Globally Completed · 110 cited
  17. Phase 3 Rhodiola Rosea Therapy of Major Depressive Disorder Completed · 110 cited
  18. Phase 4 Treatment of Diabetes and Depression in Hispanics and African Americans and Its Effect on A1c and Quality of Life. Completed · 97 cited
  19. Phase 4 Evaluation of Depression Symptoms and Brain Activity Associated With Response to Treatment of Depression Completed · 86 cited
  20. Phase 4 Impact of Hot Flashes on Sleep and Mood Disturbance Completed · 79 cited
  21. Phase 4 Optimizing Outcomes of Treatment-Resistant Depression in Older Adults Completed · 79 cited
  22. Phase 4 Emotional and Cognitive Control in Late-Onset Depression Completed · 72 cited
  23. Phase 4 Acute Psychotherapy for Bipolar II Depression Completed · 67 cited
  24. Phase 4 Memantine Treatment for Improving Rehabilitation Outcomes and Preventing Depression in Older Adults Completed · 64 cited
  25. Phase 4 Dynamics of Inflammation and Its Blockade on Motivational Circuitry in Depression Completed · 61 cited
  26. Phase 4 Brain Aging and Treatment Response in Geriatric Depression Completed · 61 cited
  27. Phase 3 A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Fixed Doses of Intranasal Esketamine Plus an Oral Antidepressant in Adult Participants With Treatment-resistant Depression Completed · 58 cited
  28. Phase 4 Cyclooxygenase-2-Inhibitor Combination Treatment for Bipolar Depression Completed · 57 cited
  29. Phase 3 Omega 3 for Treatment of Depression in Patients With Heart Failure Completed · 56 cited
  30. Phase 4 Combination Treatment Study for Memory Impairment and Depression Completed · 53 cited
  31. Phase 4 Antidepressant Therapy in Treating Bipolar Type II Major Depression Completed · 53 cited
  32. Phase 3 A Phase III Study of SM-13496 in Patients With Bipolar I Depression. Completed · 47 cited
  33. Phase 4 Preventing Post-Operative Delirium in Patients Undergoing a Pneumonectomy, Esophagectomy or Thoracotomy Completed · 46 cited
  34. Phase 4 Advancing Personalized Antidepressant Treatment Using PET/MRI Completed · 45 cited
  35. Phase 4 A Multi-level Life-span Characterization of Adult-depression and Effects of Medication and Exercise Completed · 44 cited
  36. Phase 4 Ketamine as an Augmentation Strategy for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Depression Completed · 41 cited
  37. Phase 4 Neuraxial Preservative Free Morphine for Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery Completed · 36 cited
  38. Phase 3 Frontline Clinician Psilocybin Study Completed · 36 cited
  39. Phase 4 ADAPT: Addressing Depression and Pain Together Completed · 31 cited
  40. Phase 4 Raloxifene and Rimostil for Perimenopause-Related Depression Completed · 30 cited
  41. Phase 3 Study of the Efficacy of a Fixed-dose Regimen of Cariprazine Compared to Placebo for Treatment of the Depressive Episode in Participants With Bipolar I Disorder Completed · 29 cited
  42. Phase 3 Clinical Trial Evaluating ITI-007 as an Adjunctive Therapy to Lithium or Valproate for the Treatment of Bipolar Depression Completed · 29 cited
  43. Phase 3 Study on the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Cariprazine Relative to Placebo in Participants With Bipolar I Depression Completed · 29 cited
  44. Phase 3 Treatment for Bipolar Depression: Acute & Prophylactic Efficacy With Citalopram Completed · 26 cited

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 806 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Depression: what the trials found

Ketamine Injectable Solution demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms, with MADRS scores decreasing to 20.7 (p<0.001) and SHAPS scores showing statistically significant results (p<0.005) 3.

Behavioral activation is an established intervention for depression [17, 18, 20]. However, evidence regarding its impact on alcohol-related outcomes in this population was not statistically significant across several metrics including AUDIT-C scores (p=0.4226), rates of high-intensity drinking (p=0.8675), and AUDIT-P scores (p=0.4782) 4.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Ketamine Infusion combined with RO DBT showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms (p=0.0065) and significant improvements on the Visual Analogue Scale for depressive and anxiety symptoms (p<0.0001) 8.
  • Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) delivered to the L-DLPFC showed a change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 21-Item scores of 23.51 and 9.44 16.
  • NV-5138 did not show statistically significant changes in MADRS total scores at week 4 (p=0.7941) or across scheduled weeks (p=0.1727), nor in CGI-S scores (p=0.6304) 5.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Ketamine Injectable Solution is associated with statistically significant improvements in MADRS and SHAPS scales 3.
  • Ketamine Infusion combined with RO DBT significantly reduces depressive symptoms and improves scores on the Visual Analogue Scale for depression and anxiety 8.
  • Behavioral activation is an established intervention, though its specific impact on alcohol consumption metrics was not statistically significant in evaluated trials [4, 17, 18, 20].

AI synthesis of 5 cited trials, updated Jun 19, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

Depression: current evidence & treatments

Several interventions show promise for reducing depressive symptoms. Esketamine significantly reduces postoperative depressive symptoms (SMD -0.92) 1 and improves response in treatment-resistant depression (RR 1.94) but with dose-dependent adverse events 21. Structured exercise modalities yield large effects on depressive symptoms in adults (SMD -1.07 in university students) 20 and in chronic low back pain patients (SMD -1.48 for yoga with education) 2. Dance and Tai Chi rank highest among non-pharmacological interventions for depression in older adults 3. Art therapy also significantly reduces depressive symptoms (SMD -0.69) 17.

Digital and psychological interventions show smaller but significant effects. Universal digital mental health interventions have a small effect on depression in children/adolescents (effect size 0.06) 8. Internet-based CBT modestly reduces depression in breast cancer survivors (SMD -0.19) 13. Machine learning models moderately predict CBT outcomes (r=0.45) 16. Arts on Prescription programmes show statistically significant but clinically modest reductions 12. Primary care-based intensive psychotherapy for Karen refugees reduces inpatient costs 7.

Lifestyle and biological factors are associated with depression. Higher adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet is linked to lower depression risk 11. Gut microbiota alterations are associated with depression in inflammatory bowel disease patients 10 and in computational meta-analyses 14. Eco-anxiety shows moderate positive association with depression in young adults 5. Loneliness in younger US men is linked to depression 6. Persistent depressive trajectories affect 9% of perinatal women 15. Depression screening predicts lower quality of life in ICU survivors 24.

Key drugs in the evidence

esketamine 8 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 3 antiretrovirals 2 ketamine 2 antidepressants 2 GLP-1 receptor agonists 2 mirtazapine 1 MDMA 1 omega-3 1 sufentanil 1

Latest findings

AI-generated synthesis of 17 cited studies, updated Jun 12, 2026. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Omega-3 supplementation reduces stress, anxiety, and depression in Saudi adults over three months
Psychiatry RCT
Omega-3 supplementation reduces stress, anxiety, and depression in Saudi adults over three months Omega-3s Help Calm Stress And Improve Sleep
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 64 Saudi adults found that omega-3 supplementation (500 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA) signifi…
A new trial shows omega-3 supplements significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving sleep and memory in people with s…
Apr 15, 2026
Ten-week Baduanjin exercise improved sleep and mood in college students with Qi-deficiency constitution
Psychiatry RCT
Ten-week Baduanjin exercise improved sleep and mood in college students with Qi-deficiency constitution Could a gentle 10-week exercise routine help college students feel less anxious and sleep better?
This small randomized study enrolled 37 college students with Qi-deficiency constitution and sleep problems, assigning 18 to control and 19 …
Many college students struggle with sleep and anxiety, often feeling a sense of low energy or weakness.
Frontiers Apr 15, 2026
Systematic review finds exercise prescription linked to mood, cognition, and stress resilience benefits
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Systematic review finds exercise prescription linked to mood, cognition, and stress resilience benefits Your Workout May Boost Mood Through Your Gut, Not Just Your Brain
A systematic review suggests exercise prescription is associated with advantageous impacts on mood, cognitive function, and stress resilienc…
Daily exercise may lift your mood by changing gut bacteria to produce mood-boosting molecules that signal your brain.
Frontiers Apr 15, 2026
GP psychoeducation sessions show no significant effect on depressive symptoms in primary care patients
Primary Care & Family Medicine RCT
GP psychoeducation sessions show no significant effect on depressive symptoms in primary care patients Brief German study shows GP-led sessions improved patient knowledge and activation, but did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms
A cluster-randomized controlled trial of 121 primary care patients with depressive symptoms found that four individual psychoeducation sessi…
A German study found that general practitioner-led sessions improved patient knowledge and engagement, though they did not significantly red…
Apr 15, 2026
Pharmacogenomic-guided treatment showed age-dependent cognitive benefits in depressive disorder patients
Psychiatry RCT
Pharmacogenomic-guided treatment showed age-dependent cognitive benefits in depressive disorder patients Can a Cheek Swab Pick the Right Antidepressant for You?
This single-center randomized controlled trial enrolled 843 patients with depressive disorder stratified by age.
A DNA test that guides antidepressant choice lifted mood and sharpened thinking in young patients, but gave almost no brain-function boost t…
Apr 14, 2026
Plasma NfL levels elevated in bipolar and depressive disorders in UK Biobank cohort
Psychiatry Cohort
Plasma NfL levels elevated in bipolar and depressive disorders in UK Biobank cohort Brain Scans Show Hidden Signals in Mental Health
A cohort study of 47,495 UK Biobank participants found plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels were higher in bipolar disorder (d=0.20…
Blood tests now reveal hidden brain signals that distinguish depression from anxiety, offering clearer paths to the right treatment for mill…
medRxiv Apr 14, 2026
Self-reported racial discrimination associated with postpartum depression and low birth weight in pregnant women
OB/GYN & Women's Health Meta-analysis
Self-reported racial discrimination associated with postpartum depression and low birth weight in pregnant women Discrimination Linked to Baby's Low Weight and Mom's Mood
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,473,417 participants assessed associations between self-reported interpersonal racial discrimi…
Experiencing racism during pregnancy is a serious health risk that doctors must address to keep moms and babies safe.
Frontiers Apr 14, 2026
Anti-inflammatory diets show mental health benefits in adults, with most consistent improvements in depressive symptoms
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Anti-inflammatory diets show mental health benefits in adults, with most consistent improvements in depressive symptoms Anti-inflammatory diets may help improve depression symptoms in adults with mental health issues
A scoping review of 42 RCTs and 23 systematic evidence syntheses in adults found that anti-inflammatory dietary interventions, such as Medit…
Adults with depression saw better mental health outcomes when following anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean or DASH plans compare…
Frontiers Apr 14, 2026
Mini-review examines natural product compounds in rodent depression models
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Mini-review examines natural product compounds in rodent depression models Nature's Keys Unlock Depression's Fire
This mini-review evaluated compounds from natural products in rodent models of depression.
Natural compounds may fight depression by targeting brain inflammation through the P2X7 receptor, offering new hope for treatments beyond tr…
Frontiers Apr 14, 2026
Chronic pain linked to 7.5-fold increase in severe depressive symptoms in UK Biobank analysis
Psychiatry
Chronic pain linked to 7.5-fold increase in severe depressive symptoms in UK Biobank analysis Does chronic pain make depression worse? New data says yes, and the link goes both ways
An observational study of 142,688 UK Biobank participants found chronic pain associated with a 7.50-fold increase in severe depressive sympt…
Chronic pain makes depression worse and depression increases pain risk, creating a two-way link that affects mood, focus, and appetite.
medRxiv Apr 14, 2026
Women at high risk for postpartum depression prefer psychiatric clinics with low costs and short waits
Primary Care & Family Medicine
Women at high risk for postpartum depression prefer psychiatric clinics with low costs and short waits What New Moms Actually Want When Seeking Depression Help
This discrete choice experiment surveyed 698 women at high risk for postpartum depression regarding referral preferences.
Most new mothers skip postpartum depression treatment not because they don't want help, but because the system makes it too hard to get.
medRxiv Apr 14, 2026
Frailty shows strong positive association with depression in older adults with coronary heart disease
Primary Care & Family Medicine Meta-analysis
Frailty shows strong positive association with depression in older adults with coronary heart disease The Hidden Link That Makes Heart Recovery Harder for Older Adults
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 2,628 older adults with coronary heart disease to assess the link between frailty and dep…
In older heart patients, frailty and depression form a dangerous cycle where each condition makes the other much more likely to develop.
Frontiers Apr 13, 2026

Questions about Depression

Do patients with perinatal depression show brain alterations compared to healthy controls?

Research shows that women with perinatal depression have measurable brain changes compared to healthy controls, including reduced activity in regulatory areas and increased activity in emotional centers.

Full answer →
What is the prevalence of perinatal depression among women in Ethiopia?

Perinatal depression affects 20.1% to 25.8% of women in Ethiopia based on pooled meta-analysis, with individual studies reporting rates up to 32.2%.

Full answer →
Is there a link between polygenic risk scores and major depression with anxiety?

Yes, polygenic risk scores for major depression show stronger associations with comorbid anxiety-depression cases than with depression alone, indicating a shared genetic link.

Full answer →
How do technical and behavioral factors affect blood biomarker results for depression?

Technical factors (e.g., blood collection time, season) and behavioral factors (e.g., BMI, smoking, exercise) can significantly influence blood biomarker levels, potentially affecting depression-related results.

Full answer →
Are there specific blood biomarkers that predict major depression outcomes in UK Biobank?

No specific blood biomarkers have been validated to predict major depression outcomes in UK Biobank; research is ongoing.

Full answer →
Can psychedelic-assisted therapy be an effective treatment option for my major depression?

A 2024 systematic review found that psychedelic-assisted therapy does not show a clear advantage over traditional antidepressants for treating major depression when both are compared in open-label trials.

Full answer →
Does aerobic exercise reduce postpartum depressive symptoms and improve quality of life?

Yes, multiple meta-analyses show aerobic exercise significantly reduces postpartum depressive symptoms and improves quality of life, with moderate to large effect sizes.

Full answer →
Is Zurzuvae approved by the FDA for treating postpartum depression in adults?

Yes, the FDA approved Zurzuvae (zuranolone) on August 4, 2023, for treating postpartum depression in adults.

Full answer →
See all 16 questions about Depression →