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Home › Conditions › Depressive Symptoms

Depressive Symptoms

Part of Depression

21 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Depressive Symptoms

113 trials tracked for Depressive Symptoms: 15 in phase 3 or 4 and 5 with published results. The most-cited published study has 213 citations.

113Trials tracked
15Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
5With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 4 Phase 3 11 Phase 2 19 Phase 1 4 Other / NA 75
  1. Phase 4 Research Evaluating the Value of Augmenting Medication With Psychotherapy Completed · 213 cited
  2. Phase 4 A Multi-level Life-span Characterization of Adult-depression and Effects of Medication and Exercise Completed · 44 cited
  3. Phase 3 A Study of Flexible-dose Brexpiprazole as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder, the Delphinus Trial Completed · 20 cited
  4. Phase 3 Safety and Tolerability of Oral OPC-34712 as Adjunctive Therapy in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder (the Orion Trial) Completed · 13 cited
  5. Phase 3 Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Fixed-dose Brexpiprazole (OPC-34712) as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder With and Without Anxious Distress Completed · 7 cited
  6. Phase 4 Memantine Augmentation of Antidepressants Completed
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 4 Effectiveness of Antidepressant Treatment for Depression in People With Parkinson's Disease Completed
  2. Phase 3 Buprenorphine for Treatment Resistant Depression Completed
  3. Phase 3 A Study of Duloxetine (LY248686) in Japanese Children and Adolescents With Depressive Disorder Completed
  4. Phase 3 Study In Patients With Depression Not Responding to Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors Completed
  5. Phase 3 Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Fixed Dose OPC-34712 as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder (the Pyxis Trial) Completed
  6. Phase 3 Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Two Fixed Doses of OPC-34712 as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder (the Polaris Trial) Completed
  7. Phase 3 Study Evaluating Desvenlafaxine Succinate Sustained Release (DVS SR) Versus Placebo in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women Completed
  8. Phase 3 Controlled-release Paroxetine in Major Depressive Disorder (Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study) Completed
  9. Phase 3 Study Evaluating Desvenlafaxine Succinate Sustained Release (DVS SR) vs. Escitalopram in Postmenopausal Women Completed
  10. Phase 2 A Clinical Trial of Intravenous (IV) Ganaxolone in Women With Postpartum Depression Completed
  11. Phase 2 Telephone Administered Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Depression for Veterans in Rural Areas Completed
  12. Phase 2 Study to Evaluate TNX-601 ER Monotherapy Versus Placebo in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Completed
  13. Phase 2 Study Of 323U66 SR In Major Depressive Disorder Completed
  14. Phase 2 A Clinical Trial of Oral Ganaxolone in Women With Postpartum Depression Completed
  15. Phase 2 Psychopharmacology of Psilocybin in Cancer Patients Completed
  16. Phase 2 eIMPACT Trial: Modernized Collaborative Care to Reduce the Excess CVD Risk of Older Depressed Patients Completed
  17. Phase 2 An Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability Study of JNJ-42165279 in Participants With Major Depressive Disorder With Anxious Distress Completed
  18. Phase 2 Anti-INFLammatory to Address Mood and Endothelial Dysfunction (INFLAMED) Completed
  19. Phase 2 MDD POC Study GSK372475 Subjects Depressive Disease Completed
  20. Phase 2 Depressed Mood Improvement Through Nicotine Dosing 2 Completed
  21. Phase 2 eIMPACT-DM Pilot Trial: Depression Treatment to Reduce Diabetes Risk Completed
  22. Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy Study in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Completed
  23. Phase 2 Electroacupuncture for Major Depression Completed
  24. Phase 2 An Adaptive Algorithm-Based Approach to Treatment for Adolescent Depression Completed
  25. Phase 2 Study to Treat Major Depressive Disorder With a New Medication Completed
  26. Phase 2 Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) in Child and Adolescent Patients With Depressive or Anxiety Disorder Completed
  27. Phase 2 Beating the Blues for Your Heart Completed
  28. Phase 2 Clinical Efficacy of Sertraline Augmented With Gabapentin in Depressed, Recently Abstinent Cocaine-dependent Humans Completed
  29. Phase 1 Paxil CR Bioequivalence Study Brazil - Fed Administration Completed
  30. Phase 1 TAK-653 Escalating Single and Multiple Dose Study in Healthy Participants Completed
  31. Phase 1 Paxil CR Bioequivalence Study Brazil Completed
  32. Phase 1 Nonconvulsive Electrotherapy: a Proof-of-concept Trial Completed
  33. N/A Southwest Hub for American Indian Youth Suicide Prevention Research Completed
  34. N/A Depression and ART Adherence in HIV+ Latinos Completed
  35. N/A ABSORB (Amount of Blueberries So Older Adults Reap Benefits) Completed
  36. N/A Piloting +Connection is Medicine / The Healing Spirits Program Completed
  37. N/A Examine the Effects of Meditation on Daily Psychological Stress Responses in Woman With a History of Child Adversity Completed
  38. N/A Self-guided Treatment for Adolescents Navigating Depression Completed
  39. N/A Internet Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to Patients With Heart Failure and Depression Completed
  40. N/A College Student Stress: Transitions Over Time Completed
  41. N/A Berries, Bugs, and the Blues Completed
  42. N/A Low Field Magnetic Stimulation (LFMS) in Subjects With Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) Completed
  43. N/A EnBrace HR for Depression Treatment and Prevention in Women Trying to Conceive and Early Pregnancy Completed
  44. N/A Efficacy Testing of a Culturally Relevant Stigma Intervention With WLWH in Tanzania Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 113 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

Depressive Symptoms: what the trials found

Several pharmacological interventions have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing depression scores. Desvenlafaxine (DVS SR) showed a statistically significant improvement in remission rates compared to placebo 17, while its comparison against another treatment showed a significant difference in the percentage of patients achieving remission 15. Paroxetine IR also demonstrated significant reductions in HAM-D total scores at week 8 16.

Brexpiprazole significantly reduced MADRS scores, with notable improvements observed in both short-term and long-term assessments 8. Additionally, the combination of OPC-34712 and ADT showed statistically significant improvements in MADRS scores and SDS scores compared to other treatment arms 14. In some instances, adding ADT to a placebo also resulted in significant reductions in MADRS scores 10.

Other established treatments include memantine, which showed a reduction in MADRS scores 7, and various medications including Venlafaxine XR 5, Atomoxetine 6, Buprenorphine 12, and Duloxetine Hydrochloride 11. While Duloxetine did not show a statistically significant difference in CDRS-R total scores or remission percentages compared to its comparator 11, it remains an established intervention.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • * A transdermal nicotine patch showed significant improvements in MADRS scores and executive/cognitive control scores, though this finding is currently unconfirmed 21. * Physical activity was associated with a statistically significant improvement in physical function scores (p<0.001), though it did not show a significant impact on cardiovascular events or non-cardiovascular mortality 1. * The TNX-601 ER intervention is currently under investigation and not yet corroborated 20. * Antidepressant medications showed mixed results regarding metabolic markers; while HOMA-IR scores improved significantly, changes in Hemoglobin A1c were not statistically significant 22.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Desvenlafaxine (DVS SR) and Brexpiprazole are supported by evidence for significant reduction in depression scales (HAM-D and MADRS).
  • Combination therapy involving OPC-34712 and ADT has shown statistically significant improvements in both mood and functional disability scores.
  • While some non-pharmacological interventions like physical activity show promise for functional outcomes, their impact on primary clinical markers like cardiovascular events is not established.

AI synthesis of 15 cited trials, updated Jun 20, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Exercise-based and mind-body movement interventions significantly reduce depressive symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Exercise-based and mind-body movement interventions significantly reduce depressive symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease Mind-Body Movement May Reduce Depression in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates that exercise-based and mind-body movement interventions significantly reduce d…
New research suggests that exercise and mind-body movements can significantly lower depressive symptoms for people living with inflammatory …
Frontiers Jul 29, 2026
Visual art therapy significantly reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms in adults
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Visual art therapy significantly reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms in adults Visual art therapy eases depression and anxiety in adults
This meta-analysis of 741 adults found that visual art therapy significantly alleviated depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.81) and anxiety sympto…
A new analysis of 741 adults finds that visual art therapy significantly reduces depression and anxiety symptoms.
Frontiers Jul 22, 2026
Serotonergic antidepressants and prolactin-elevating antipsychotics are associated with higher burdens of sexual dysfunction
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Serotonergic antidepressants and prolactin-elevating antipsychotics are associated with higher burdens of sexual dysfunction Certain medications for depression and psychosis can cause sexual issues
This narrative review examines the impact of antidepressants and antipsychotics on sexual dysfunction in patients with depressive and psycho…
Some common treatments for mood and psychotic disorders may impact a patient's sex life, quality of life, and their ability to stay on medic…
Frontiers Jul 21, 2026
Meta Analysis Quantifies Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depressive Disorders in HIV Patients
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Meta Analysis Quantifies Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depressive Disorders in HIV Patients Depression affects 1 in 4 people with HIV
A meta-analysis reveals a 23.2% prevalence of depressive disorders among people living with HIV, identifying key clinical risk factors.
A new analysis finds that nearly 1 in 4 people living with HIV also have depression, a rate far higher than the general population.
Jul 15, 2026
Evaluating the Efficacy of Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Suicidal Ideation
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Evaluating the Efficacy of Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Suicidal Ideation Accelerated magnetic stimulation shows no clear edge for suicidal thoughts
A meta-analysis explores if accelerated TMS provides superior relief for suicidal ideation compared to standard treatments.
A review of 310 patients shows that accelerated magnetic brain stimulation does not outperform standard methods for reducing suicidal ideati…
Jul 15, 2026
Dietary interventions may influence obesity and depressive symptoms through multiple metabolic and neurological pathways
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Dietary interventions may influence obesity and depressive symptoms through multiple metabolic and neurological pathways Dietary changes may help manage obesity and depressive symptoms
This narrative review explores how various diet therapies, including ketogenic and Mediterranean diets, may impact metabolism and mental hea…
New research explores how different eating patterns could improve both weight management and mental health by targeting inflammation and bra…
Frontiers Jul 10, 2026
Yoga with education yields clinically relevant improvements for depressive symptoms and pain in chronic low back pain
Physical Medicine & Rehab Sys. Review
Yoga with education yields clinically relevant improvements for depressive symptoms and pain in chronic low back pain Yoga and Education Show Promise for Back Pain and Depression
This meta-analysis evaluates interventions for individuals with comorbid depressive symptoms and chronic nonspecific low back pain. Yoga wit…
A review of 834 patients suggests that yoga combined with education may improve both chronic back pain and depressive symptoms.
Jun 11, 2026
Atractylenolide III shows neuroprotective effects in preclinical CNS disorder models
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Atractylenolide III shows neuroprotective effects in preclinical CNS disorder models Atractylenolide III shows promise for brain and nerve injuries in lab models
This narrative review summarizes preclinical evidence that Atractylenolide III exerts neuroprotective effects in models of cognitive impairm…
Atractylenolide III looks like a helpful option for brain and nerve damage in early lab tests, though human trials are needed.
Frontiers May 29, 2026
Frailty is associated with increased prevalence of depressive symptoms in adults with cancer
Oncology Meta-analysis
Frailty is associated with increased prevalence of depressive symptoms in adults with cancer Frailty strongly linked to depression in cancer patients
A meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies examined the relationship between frailty and depression in adults with cancer.
Frail cancer patients are nearly six times more likely to struggle with depression, a major red flag for care teams and families.
May 1, 2026
MDD polygenic scores show adolescence-specific effects on child depressive symptoms in Norwegian cohort
Psychiatry Cohort
MDD polygenic scores show adolescence-specific effects on child depressive symptoms in Norwegian cohort Teen Depression Linked to Genes That "Switch On" at Puberty
This cohort study of children from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort assessed depressive symptoms at ages 8 and 14.
Your teen's depression risk may be written in their genes, but only becomes visible during puberty's hormonal storm.
medRxiv Apr 26, 2026
Prenatal parabens exposure linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes in mothers with depressive symptoms in Ningxia, China
Primary Care & Family Medicine Cohort
Prenatal parabens exposure linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes in mothers with depressive symptoms in Ningxia, China Depression Makes Chemicals Worse for Babies
This prospective cohort study of 934 mother-infant pairs in Ningxia, China, examined associations between prenatal parabens exposure and adv…
Mental health and chemical exposure work together to hurt pregnancy outcomes more than either one does alone.
Frontiers Apr 23, 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

Research across Depression

Related studies from across the Depression family.

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

Questions about Depressive Symptoms

Can an AI CBT chatbot reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in Brazilian patients?

Yes, a 2024 Brazilian study found that access to an AI CBT chatbot significantly reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms in primary care patients.

Full answer →
Do GP psychoeducation sessions help reduce depressive symptoms in primary care patients?

GP psychoeducation sessions did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms in primary care patients, though they improved depression knowledge and patient activation.

Full answer →
Do polygenic scores show effects on child depressive symptoms during adolescence?

Yes, polygenic scores for major depressive disorder show adolescence-specific effects on child depressive symptoms, as found in a Norwegian cohort study.

Full answer →
How does frailty affect the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adults with cancer?

Frailty significantly increases the odds of depressive symptoms in adults with cancer, with a meta-analysis showing over five times higher odds compared to non-frail patients.

Full answer →

All Depressive Symptoms Articles