Before medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or before certain therapy methods are widely accepted as effective, they are tested on people who volunteer to participate in a clinical trial.

Organizations across the country are looking for people like you to take part in their research studies. The list of studies below have been selected from ClinicalTrials.gov based on their inclusion of one or more of the following terms: anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is supportive of research that is conducted through clinical trials. Participating in research can potentially help change the mental health outcomes for you and others who suffer anxiety, depression, and related disorders. You may learn about new interventions/treatments that are being considered.

Read this ADAA blog about things to know and questions to ask before committing to a clinical trial.

This website page is brought to you in partnership with ResearchMatch.


871 matching studies

Sponsor Condition of Interest
A Prospective, Multi-center, Randomized Controlled Blinded Trial Demonstrating the Safety and Effec1
LivaNova Treatment Resistant Depression
Objectives of this study are to determine whether active VNS Therapy treatment is superior to a no stimulation control in producing a reduction in baseline depressive symptom severity, based on multiple depression scale assessment tools at 12 months from randomization. expand

Objectives of this study are to determine whether active VNS Therapy treatment is superior to a no stimulation control in producing a reduction in baseline depressive symptom severity, based on multiple depression scale assessment tools at 12 months from randomization.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2019

open study

Exparel vs. ACB With Bupivacaine for ACL Reconstruction
Children's Hospital of Orange County ACL Tear Opioid Misuse Pain Anxiety
Opioid misuse and addiction among children and adolescents is an increasingly concerning problem. Post-surgical opioid prescriptions for commonly performed surgeries such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) increase opioid exposure in young athletes. The purpose of the current study1 expand

Opioid misuse and addiction among children and adolescents is an increasingly concerning problem. Post-surgical opioid prescriptions for commonly performed surgeries such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) increase opioid exposure in young athletes. The purpose of the current study is to determine if extended-release Bupivacaine Liposome Injectable Suspension (Exparel) is effective in decreasing at home narcotic consumption compared to standard Bupivacaine Adductor Canal Block for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction/reconstruction for the surgical treatment of adolescents with ACL tears and concomitant pathology i.e. meniscus / cartilage injury/tear.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2023

open study

Modulating Escape Using Focused Ultrasound
Medical University of South Carolina Anxiety Disorders
This is a study to find out if a cutting-edge technology called transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) can be used to treat how people with anxiety or related concerns cope with emotional situations. tFUS is a brain stimulation technology that causes temporary changes in the activity of deep brain1 expand

This is a study to find out if a cutting-edge technology called transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) can be used to treat how people with anxiety or related concerns cope with emotional situations. tFUS is a brain stimulation technology that causes temporary changes in the activity of deep brain areas without a need for any surgery or other permanent or invasive procedures. This study is recruiting participants who recently started treatment for anxiety or a related concern to come in for 3 visits at the Medical University of South Carolina. At the first visit, participants will do interviews and surveys asking about anxiety and related concerns, and they do tasks where they respond to emotional pictures while brain activity is measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At the next two visits, participants again do a task where they see and react to emotional images, and this time the task is done once before and again once after receiving tFUS that either actively causes temporary changes (lasting for about an hour) in a targeted brain area or is not active (no changes elicited). At each tFUS visit, responses are measured with sensors worn on the hand, arms, face, and head (these visits do not involve MRI). Each visit in this study is expected to last between 2 - 3 hours. This study is not a treatment study, but it could help improve treatment in the future. Participants in this study are paid for their time.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2024

open study

Evaluating Process of Change in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy1
University of Southern California Depression
This study will compare two psychological treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD): cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Both treatments are well-studied and supported by evidence as effective options for people experiencing depression. These treatme1 expand

This study will compare two psychological treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD): cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Both treatments are well-studied and supported by evidence as effective options for people experiencing depression. These treatments will be delivered in an online group format via Zoom. The study will enroll up to 150 participants with depression. Half of the participants will receive online group CBT and half will receive online group ACT. There will be up to 10 members in each group. For both conditions, treatment will be provided over 8 weeks, with a 6-month follow-up period. Enrollment will be ongoing and groups will occur simultaneously. Potential participants are asked to complete an initial screening and an intake evaluation to determine eligibility. They will then receive 8-weeks of treatment. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires throughout their time in the study.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2024

open study

Better Sleep Study
University of California, San Francisco Depression in Adolescence Delayed Sleep Phase
The overall aim of this proposal is a confirmatory efficacy trial sufficiently powered and designed to test the hypothesis that improving the relationship between biological circadian timing and waketime, a novel modifiable target, improves depression outcomes in a subgroup of adolescents with depr1 expand

The overall aim of this proposal is a confirmatory efficacy trial sufficiently powered and designed to test the hypothesis that improving the relationship between biological circadian timing and waketime, a novel modifiable target, improves depression outcomes in a subgroup of adolescents with depression and a misaligned relationship between biological circadian timing and waketime utilizing a cognitive-behavioral sleep intervention.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2024

open study

Examining Neurobiological Mechanisms Underlying the Therapeutic Effect of the Ketogenic Diet in Bip1
University of Pittsburgh Bipolar Disorder
The investigators aim to examine the effect of the ketogenic diet on brain activity, metabolism, and emotions in adults with Bipolar Disorder (BD). expand

The investigators aim to examine the effect of the ketogenic diet on brain activity, metabolism, and emotions in adults with Bipolar Disorder (BD).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2024

open study

A Mobile Application for Child-focused Perioperative Education
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Preoperative Anxiety
The investigators developed a child-friendly mobile application to support accessible, interactive patient/caregiver education about pediatric tonsillectomy. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether the intervention reduces preoperative anxiety, improves patients' confidence and po1 expand

The investigators developed a child-friendly mobile application to support accessible, interactive patient/caregiver education about pediatric tonsillectomy. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether the intervention reduces preoperative anxiety, improves patients' confidence and positive coping, improves caregivers' satisfaction and self-efficacy, and reduces call volumes from caregivers to the clinic after surgery compared to current standard care.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2024

open study

Inflammation and Depression in People With HIV
Emory University HIV Depression Anhedonia
The purpose of this 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is to determine whether inflammation impacts reward and motor neural circuitry to contribute to depressive symptoms like anhedonia and psychomotor slowing in people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and depression. Sixty male1 expand

The purpose of this 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is to determine whether inflammation impacts reward and motor neural circuitry to contribute to depressive symptoms like anhedonia and psychomotor slowing in people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and depression. Sixty male and female patients with HIV who have depression, anhedonia and high inflammation and are stable on effective treatment for their HIV will be randomized to receive either the anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib or a placebo for 10 weeks. Participants will complete lab tests, medical and psychiatric assessments, neurocognitive testing, functional MRI (fMRI) scans, and optional spinal taps as part of the study. The total length of participation is about 5 months.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2023

open study

Behavioral Activation and Medication Optimization For Improving Perioperative Mental Health In Olde1
Washington University School of Medicine Older Adults Anxiety Depression Major Surgical Resection of a Thoracic Malignancy Major Surgical Resection of an Abdominal Malignancy
Using a Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation randomized control trial (RCT) design, the investigators will test the effectiveness of a bundled behavioral activation and medication optimization in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults undergoing oncologic surgery (compare1 expand

Using a Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation randomized control trial (RCT) design, the investigators will test the effectiveness of a bundled behavioral activation and medication optimization in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults undergoing oncologic surgery (compared with usual care), while examining implementation outcomes.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2023

open study

Treatments in Women Veterans With Insomnia and PTSD
VA Office of Research and Development Insomnia PTSD Women Veterans
This pilot trial will compare trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to a psychoeducational intervention in women Veterans with comorbid insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The CBT-I intervention includes trauma-informed adaptations to an insomnia treatment1 expand

This pilot trial will compare trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to a psychoeducational intervention in women Veterans with comorbid insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The CBT-I intervention includes trauma-informed adaptations to an insomnia treatment and the psychoeducational intervention is modeled after usual care in a VA Women's Mental Health Clinic. The study objectives are to: 1) Iteratively refine the structure and materials of trauma-informed CBT-I in preparation for a pilot trial, 2) Pilot test the effects of trauma-informed CBT-I on PTSD treatment readiness and engagement in a sample of women Veterans, and 3) Examine potential mechanisms underlying variations in PTSD treatment readiness and engagement over time among women Veterans. Women Veterans with insomnia and comorbid PTSD who receive care at Sepulveda and West Los Angeles facilities will be recruited for the study. Those who pass an initial eligibility screen will be enrolled and written informed consent will be obtained. A baseline assessment will be completed that includes measures of PTSD treatment readiness, perceived barriers to PTSD treatment, and sleep and mental health symptoms. Then Veterans who meet all eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to trauma-informed CBT-I (n=25) or the psychoeducational intervention (n=25). Both treatments will be provided in 5 one-on-one sessions by a trained instructor who is supervised by a behavioral sleep medicine specialist. All randomized participants (n=50) will have 2 follow-up assessments (post-treatment and 3-months). The follow-up assessments will collect information on PTSD treatment readiness, perceived barriers to PTSD treatment, and sleep and mental health symptoms. Chart reviews will be conducted 6-months post-treatment to assess number of PTSD treatment appointments attended (treatment engagement measure). Qualitative interviews will be conducted to identify mechanisms underlying PTSD treatment engagement.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2023

open study

Behavioral Activation and Medication Optimization In Older Adults Undergoing Cardiac Procedures
Washington University School of Medicine Cardiac Surgery Older Adults Depression Anxiety
This Hybrid 1 Study will test the effectiveness of a bundled intervention comprised of behavioral activation and medication optimization in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults undergoing cardiac surgery (compared with usual care), while examining implementation outcomes. expand

This Hybrid 1 Study will test the effectiveness of a bundled intervention comprised of behavioral activation and medication optimization in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults undergoing cardiac surgery (compared with usual care), while examining implementation outcomes.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2022

open study

The ED-AWARENESS-2 Trial
Washington University School of Medicine Awareness Mechanical Ventilation Intubation Complication PTSD
The investigators will screen all mechanically ventilated ED patients for study eligibility and will enroll all consecutive patients satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study design is a pragmatic, multicenter, stepped wedge cluster randomized trial, enrolling at five sites over a 3-y1 expand

The investigators will screen all mechanically ventilated ED patients for study eligibility and will enroll all consecutive patients satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study design is a pragmatic, multicenter, stepped wedge cluster randomized trial, enrolling at five sites over a 3-year period, divided into six time periods of six months. Prior to the study, each site will be randomized to their position within the design. One site will cross to the intervention period (i.e. succinylcholine as default neuromuscular blocker) every six months from the 2nd to 6th time period. Cluster order will be determined by computer-based randomization. To begin, each site will be exposed to control conditions; by the end of the study, each site will be exposed to intervention conditions. Patients in the control phase will receive usual care, and this phase will be entirely observational. After six months, a site will enter a 2-month transition phase. In this phase, the investigators will implement the intervention, similar to how they have implemented other ED-based interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. The investigators will engage and educate ED clinicians on the importance of AWP prevention and the study objectives. The intervention framework relies on the use of "nudges", without restricting choice. The use of neuromuscular blockers (i.e. "paralytic" medications) is already part of routine care in the ED in order to facilitate endotracheal intubation and initiation of mechanical ventilation for patients with acute respiratory failure. The two most common neuromuscular blockers used in the ED are succinylcholine and rocuronium. The preliminary data show a strong association between rocuronium (a longer-acting neuromuscular blocker) use and AWP. Therefore, this study aims to improve care by educating caregivers on AWP and the use of the neuromuscular blockers, which are already routinely used, and studying that process in a rigorous fashion. The default neuromuscular blocker in the intervention phase will be succinylcholine. Succinylcholine will be the default over rocuronium because: 1) it has safely been the default neuromuscular blocker of choice in the ED for >40 years ; 2) its 5-minute duration of action greatly reduces AWP risk; 3) the preliminary data regarding an increased risk of AWP with rocuronium and 4) ED rocuronium use has increased despite no patient-centered studies showing benefit over succinylcholine. Passive alerts (i.e. graphics, pocket cards) will also be strategically placed in the ED, and active alerts will be used as reminders before every nursing shift (i.e. "the huddle"). After this transition phase, the site will begin the intervention phase, and patients will again receive clinician-directed care, just after the intervention.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2023

open study

App Delivered Brief Mindfulness Intervention for Surgical Patients
University of Utah Pain Anxiety State Depressive State
This will be a single-site, five-arm, parallel group randomized control trial involving patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery. The investigators will compare five different styles of 5-minute, audio-recoded mindfulness practices delivered via app 7 days before to surgery, 2 days befor1 expand

This will be a single-site, five-arm, parallel group randomized control trial involving patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery. The investigators will compare five different styles of 5-minute, audio-recoded mindfulness practices delivered via app 7 days before to surgery, 2 days before to surgery, 2 days after surgery, and 6 days after surgery.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2022

open study

Digital Mental Health Intervention for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Young Adults
Northwestern University Nonsuicidal Self Injury Suicidal Ideation Depression Anxiety
This is a feasibility trial of a digital mental health intervention aimed at young adults (ages 18-25) with nonsuicidal self-injury and who are not currently engaged in mental health treatment. We will pilot three arms: a self-guided DMHI, the DMHI with low-intensity coaching, or an active control1 expand

This is a feasibility trial of a digital mental health intervention aimed at young adults (ages 18-25) with nonsuicidal self-injury and who are not currently engaged in mental health treatment. We will pilot three arms: a self-guided DMHI, the DMHI with low-intensity coaching, or an active control which will involve the delivery of non-interactive psychoeducational content via the same app interface. The primary goals of this project are to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention and trial procedures in preparation for a fully-powered randomized-controlled trial.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2024

open study

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Memory Support (MS) Study
Boston University PTSD
The efficacy of psychological interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is likely limited by the difficulty participants have learning and remembering important therapy content. Accordingly, the present study will examine the utility of integrating a Memory Support (MS) intervention in1 expand

The efficacy of psychological interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is likely limited by the difficulty participants have learning and remembering important therapy content. Accordingly, the present study will examine the utility of integrating a Memory Support (MS) intervention into Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an empirically supported and widely disseminated treatment for PTSD. MS was designed to integrate techniques aimed at facilitating encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of new learning into existing treatments, and has been shown to improve outcomes when integrated into cognitive therapy for depression. A pilot randomized controlled trial (n=52) comparing CPT with Memory Support (CPT+MS) to CPT-alone will be conducted. Study participants will be adults diagnosed with PTSD. The primary aim of the trial will be to determine if CPT+MS will lead to greater memory and learning of therapy content relative to CPT-alone, and to establish the acceptability and feasibility of integrating MS into CPT. Secondary aims include a preliminary examination of treatment efficacy, as indicated by the magnitude of changes in PTSD symptoms between conditions, and target validation, as indicated by associations between memory and learning of therapy content and treatment response. Exploratory analyses will examine several indicators of baseline memory-related cognitive functioning as predictors of memory and learning of therapy content, providing preliminary data to inform future research on personalized application of MS. Results of the trial will advance scientific knowledge about methods for optimizing memory and learning as a mechanism for improving PTSD treatment outcomes.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

The Safety and Efficacy of Psilocybin in Patients With Treatment-resistant Depression and Chronic S1
Sheppard Pratt Health System Treatment Resistant Depression Suicidal Ideation
This study aims to explore the safety and tolerability of a single dose of psilocybin (25mg) administered under supportive conditions to adult participants with TRD and chronic suicidal ideation expand

This study aims to explore the safety and tolerability of a single dose of psilocybin (25mg) administered under supportive conditions to adult participants with TRD and chronic suicidal ideation

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2022

open study

Level of Physical Activity and Fear Learning
NYU Langone Health Generalized Anxiety Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder
The proposed experimental study will be the first to investigate whether exercise vs. sitting enhances consolidation of extinction learning in adults with high AS and anxiety disorders, and the mechanistic pathways of expectancy, affect, and key stress response markers. expand

The proposed experimental study will be the first to investigate whether exercise vs. sitting enhances consolidation of extinction learning in adults with high AS and anxiety disorders, and the mechanistic pathways of expectancy, affect, and key stress response markers.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

Integrated CBT to Improve Functioning in Veterans With Anxiety and Substance Use
VA Office of Research and Development Anxiety Disorder Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Hazardous Drinking
Individual with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder often use alcohol in ways that could cause them harm. Treating both mental health concerns and alcohol use at the same time can help reduce difficulties engaging in multiple treatments. The investigators are evaluating how a cognitive behav1 expand

Individual with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder often use alcohol in ways that could cause them harm. Treating both mental health concerns and alcohol use at the same time can help reduce difficulties engaging in multiple treatments. The investigators are evaluating how a cognitive behavioral therapy program that helps Veterans with anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use at the same time can help improve the participants lives.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2023

open study

Neurofeedback for Treatment Resistant Depression
University of Pittsburgh Treatment Resistant Depression
The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical efficacy of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) training to increase the amygdala's response to positive autobiographical memories in patients with depression who are considered treatment-resistant expand

The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical efficacy of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) training to increase the amygdala's response to positive autobiographical memories in patients with depression who are considered treatment-resistant

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2018

open study

Open-Label of SPN-820 in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder
Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Major Depressive Disorder
This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of SPN-820 in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) expand

This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of SPN-820 in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2024

open study

A Trial of the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor Palmitoylethanolamide in Bipolar Depression
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Bipolar Depression
The purpose of this study is to o evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of the PEA in Bipolar Depression and the association between antidepressant response with endogenous cannabinoids and cytokine levels expand

The purpose of this study is to o evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of the PEA in Bipolar Depression and the association between antidepressant response with endogenous cannabinoids and cytokine levels

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2023

open study

Modulating Repetitive Negative Thinking Related Brain Networks in Young Adults With Depression
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc. Depressive Disorder, Major
In this project, the investigators use real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) to causally relate dysfunction of right anterior insula (rAI) and right superior temporal sulcus (rSTS) connectivity with the intensity of repetitive negative thinking (RNT). The investigators hypothesize that rtfMRI-nf1 expand

In this project, the investigators use real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) to causally relate dysfunction of right anterior insula (rAI) and right superior temporal sulcus (rSTS) connectivity with the intensity of repetitive negative thinking (RNT). The investigators hypothesize that rtfMRI-nf reducing rAI-rSTS connectivity would reduce RNT. The investigators propose a randomized double-blind, sham-controlled trial of rtfMRI-nf with 110 young adults (n=55/arm) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and high trait-RNT levels.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2024

open study

Virtual Patient Navigation During a Pandemic
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Post-partum Depression
The sub-study will involve a rigorous mixed-methods design. The qualitative phase of the sub-study will consist of semi-structured interviews. During the semi-structured interviews, 10 eligible women will be recruited to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing virtual mental health services1 expand

The sub-study will involve a rigorous mixed-methods design. The qualitative phase of the sub-study will consist of semi-structured interviews. During the semi-structured interviews, 10 eligible women will be recruited to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing virtual mental health services. This information will be used to adapt an evidence-based patient navigation intervention for virtual use and an engagement measure. For the intervention phase of the sub-study, 30 women with persistent postpartum depression symptoms will be recruited to participate in the adapted virtual navigator program using rapid cycle testing over a 2-month period.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2023

open study

VOICES Socials for Older Veterans With Depression
VA Office of Research and Development Depression Loneliness Isolation
VOICES Veterans Socials (VS) support Veterans in the community through weekly social groups. Veterans socials have the potential to improve social functioning, mental health symptoms, and create lasting social support. This project aims to evaluate and improve Veterans Socials to help older Veteran1 expand

VOICES Veterans Socials (VS) support Veterans in the community through weekly social groups. Veterans socials have the potential to improve social functioning, mental health symptoms, and create lasting social support. This project aims to evaluate and improve Veterans Socials to help older Veterans with depression by adapting materials, interviewing VS attendees, and collecting questionnaires. The goal is to improve the program based on the results for future use and research.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2024

open study

Causal Role of Delta-beta Coupling for Goal-directed Behavior in Anhedonic Depression
Florida State University Major Depressive Disorder Anhedonia
Anhedonia, the inability to seek-out and experience pleasure, is a common symptom in depression that predicts treatment-resistance and is sometimes exacerbated by first-line antidepressants. In our previous research, we found that anhedonia decreases goal-directed behavior and its related neural ac1 expand

Anhedonia, the inability to seek-out and experience pleasure, is a common symptom in depression that predicts treatment-resistance and is sometimes exacerbated by first-line antidepressants. In our previous research, we found that anhedonia decreases goal-directed behavior and its related neural activity. In this study, we will investigate target engagement from five-consecutive days of stimulation for participants that are within a unipolar major depressive episode and also have high symptoms of anhedonia.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2024

open study