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Home › Conditions › Depressive Symptoms

Depressive Symptoms

Part of Depression

34 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 · 8 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.
Depressive disorder in patients with diabetes increases all-cause mortality and metabolic complications
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Depressive disorder in patients with diabetes increases all-cause mortality and metabolic complications Depression Linked to Higher Mortality Risk in People with Diabetes
This meta-analysis of patients with diabetes and co-occurring depressive disorder found a 1.30 increased risk of all-cause mortality compare…
People with both diabetes and depression may face a higher risk of death and serious health complications compared to those with diabetes al…
Sep 5, 2026
Intranasal esketamine and intravenous ketamine provide the strongest evidence for treating depressive disorders
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Intranasal esketamine and intravenous ketamine provide the strongest evidence for treating depressive disorders Ketamine and Esketamine Show Promise for Treatment-Resistant Depression
This narrative review evaluates various ketamine formulations for depressive disorders, finding the strongest evidence for intranasal esketa…
New evidence highlights how different forms of ketamine and esketamine may help patients struggling with treatment-resistant major depressiv…
Frontiers Sep 5, 2026
Barriers to mental health care for Black populations include racism, stigma, and socioeconomic determinants
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Barriers to mental health care for Black populations include racism, stigma, and socioeconomic determinants Barriers to mental health care for Black patients identified
This scoping review of 254 sources identifies prevalent mental health disorders and systemic barriers affecting the Black population. Key fi…
New research highlights how racism, stigma, and lack of access create significant hurdles for Black people seeking mental health care.
Frontiers Sep 5, 2026
tDCS combined with cognitive-behavioral interventions shows no significant benefit over sham for depressive symptoms
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
tDCS combined with cognitive-behavioral interventions shows no significant benefit over sham for depressive symptoms tDCS Plus Talk Therapy Shows No Extra Depression Benefit
This meta-analysis of 321 patients with depressive disorders found no statistically significant difference in depressive symptoms, response …
Adding brain stimulation to talk therapy didn't beat sham for depression in a new analysis of 321 patients.
Frontiers Aug 27, 2026
Platform-based food delivery work correlates with musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, and mental health risks
Primary Care & Family Medicine Sys. Review
Platform-based food delivery work correlates with musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, and mental health risks Food Delivery Riders Face High Risks from Platform Management
This narrative review of 47 sources examines the occupational hazards faced by food delivery riders in China. The authors conclude that syst…
Delivery riders face significant physical and mental health risks, including musculoskeletal disorders and anxiety, due to intense work dema…
Frontiers Aug 17, 2026
Mindfulness-based interventions improve emotion regulation and reduce anxiety in adolescents with emotional difficulties
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Mindfulness-based interventions improve emotion regulation and reduce anxiety in adolescents with emotional difficulties Mindfulness training helps teens manage emotions and reduce anxiety
This meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved emotion regulation (…
Mindfulness programs can help teenagers struggling with intense emotions, showing consistent improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms…
Aug 15, 2026
Adding Chinese patent medicines to SSRIs improves HAMD scores and response rates in depressive disorder
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Adding Chinese patent medicines to SSRIs improves HAMD scores and response rates in depressive disorder Chinese Herbal Add-Ons May Boost Antidepressant Effects
This systematic review and network meta-analysis of 5,975 patients found that seven Chinese patent medicine (CPM) combinations with SSRIs si…
Adding certain Chinese patent medicines to standard antidepressants improved depression scores and response rates in a new analysis.
Frontiers Aug 14, 2026
Dissociative symptoms correlate with greater severity and poorer outcomes in anxiety and depressive disorders
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Dissociative symptoms correlate with greater severity and poorer outcomes in anxiety and depressive disorders Dissociative Symptoms Linked to Severity in Anxiety and Depression
This scoping review of 300 studies examines the prevalence and clinical impact of dissociative symptoms in adults with anxiety and depressio…
High levels of dissociation are linked to more severe symptoms and poorer treatment outcomes for people with anxiety and depression.
Frontiers Aug 13, 2026
Combined sleep and circadian interventions improve depressive symptoms and sleep quality in adults with mental disorders
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Combined sleep and circadian interventions improve depressive symptoms and sleep quality in adults with mental disorders Sleep and Circadian Interventions May Ease Depressive Symptoms
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials indicates that combined sleep and circadian interventions significantly reduce…
Targeting sleep and circadian rhythms may improve mood, sleep quality, and daily functioning for adults living with depression and other men…
Frontiers Aug 9, 2026
Circadian rhythm disruption is a core pathophysiological mechanism for anxiety and depressive disorders
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Circadian rhythm disruption is a core pathophysiological mechanism for anxiety and depressive disorders Circadian Disruption Linked to Anxiety and Depression
This systematic review examines the role of circadian rhythms in mental health. It identifies circadian disruption as a primary pathophysiol…
A new review suggests fixing your body clock could be key to treating anxiety and depression, not just a side effect.
Frontiers Aug 9, 2026
Eicosapentaenoic acid evidence is most developed for depressive symptoms rather than brain aging
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Eicosapentaenoic acid evidence is most developed for depressive symptoms rather than brain aging Fish oil may help manage symptoms of depression
This narrative review examines the role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in addressing depressive symptoms and brain aging. The authors conclu…
New research looks at how a specific type of fish oil, known as EPA, might support emotional well-being and brain health.
Frontiers Aug 8, 2026
Functional and emotion-focused coping strategies are associated with lower distress in family carers
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Functional and emotion-focused coping strategies are associated with lower distress in family carers Coping styles impact mental health for parents of children with disabilities
This meta-analysis of 4548 participants examined the relationship between various coping strategies and psychological distress in family car…
Caregivers of dependent children face high stress, but research shows that specific ways of handling daily challenges can lower anxiety and …
Aug 1, 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