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.


840 matching studies

Sponsor Condition of Interest
Perinatal Research on Improving Sleep and Mental Health
University of California, San Francisco Insomnia Depression
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two sleep programs in pregnant people with insomnia. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What is the efficacy of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) versus digital sleep hygiene education (SHE) for preventing perin1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two sleep programs in pregnant people with insomnia. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What is the efficacy of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) versus digital sleep hygiene education (SHE) for preventing perinatal depression? 2. Is the effect of digital CBT-I on perinatal depression mediated through prenatal insomnia symptom improvement? 3. Is the effect of digital CBT-I on perinatal depression moderated by baseline depressive symptom severity? Participants will receive one of two sleep programs - SHE or CBT-I. Both involve six weekly online sessions. Participants will complete surveys and interviews until 1 year postpartum.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2022

open study

Promoting Resilience in Stroke Survivor-carepartner Dyads (ReStoreD)
University of Utah Stroke Depression, Anxiety Coping Skills Couples
Affecting nearly 800,000 people in the US every year, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, and has serious consequences for stroke survivors and their carepartners. Our project uses a scientifically rigorous efficacy study to evaluate a remotely delivered 8-week dyadic (couples-based)1 expand

Affecting nearly 800,000 people in the US every year, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, and has serious consequences for stroke survivors and their carepartners. Our project uses a scientifically rigorous efficacy study to evaluate a remotely delivered 8-week dyadic (couples-based) positive psychology intervention to reduce emotional distress in stroke survivors and their carepartners. If successful, couples may be better emotionally equipped to cope with the sequelae of stroke, and have better rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2022

open study

Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress
Teachers College, Columbia University Distress, Emotional Emotional Dysfunction Anxiety Depression
This study is being done to compare the effectiveness of three different skills trainings to cope with distress. These three trainings are: 1) an attention skills training, 2) an attention and reflective thought skills training, and 3) a health and wellness education training. expand

This study is being done to compare the effectiveness of three different skills trainings to cope with distress. These three trainings are: 1) an attention skills training, 2) an attention and reflective thought skills training, and 3) a health and wellness education training.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2023

open study

Pramipexole to Enhance Social Connections
University of California, San Diego Anxiety Disorders Anxiety Depression Social Disconnection
This study seeks to understand if the medication pramipexole improves social connectedness and functioning in adults (ages 18-50) who experience anxiety or depression. The study plans to enroll 108 participants total across two sites (University of California San Diego and New York State Psychiatri1 expand

This study seeks to understand if the medication pramipexole improves social connectedness and functioning in adults (ages 18-50) who experience anxiety or depression. The study plans to enroll 108 participants total across two sites (University of California San Diego and New York State Psychiatric Institute). Pramipexole will be given in a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Social reward processing will be assessed using measures of brain function (fMRI), behavior, and self-report at baseline and week 6. Knowledge gained from this study will help determine the therapeutic potential of targeting the dopamine system to remediate social disconnection as an anxiety and depression intervention.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2024

open study

Ketogenic and Nutritional Interventions for First Episode Bipolar Disorder
Mclean Hospital Bipolar I Disorder Psychosis Schizoaffective Disorder
This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial to assess the effects of the ketogenic diet in combination with treatment as usual on brain energy metabolism and psychiatric symptoms in individuals with first episode bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. expand

This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial to assess the effects of the ketogenic diet in combination with treatment as usual on brain energy metabolism and psychiatric symptoms in individuals with first episode bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2024

open study

A Mobile Intervention for Black Individuals Who Engage in Hazardous Drinking
University of Houston Alcohol Abuse Anxiety
The purpose of this study is to develop and examine a culturally adapted, mobile health application for the Android and iOS platform. The application uses a personalized feedback intervention (PFI) designed to enhance knowledge regarding adverse anxiety-alcohol interrelations, increase motivation a1 expand

The purpose of this study is to develop and examine a culturally adapted, mobile health application for the Android and iOS platform. The application uses a personalized feedback intervention (PFI) designed to enhance knowledge regarding adverse anxiety-alcohol interrelations, increase motivation and intention to reduce hazardous drinking, and reduce positive attitudes and intention regarding anxiety-related alcohol use among Black hazardous drinkers with clinical anxiety.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2023

open study

CAMPUS Expanded "Classification and Assessment of Mental Health Performance Using Semantics Expande1
Clarigent Health Suicide Suicidal Suicide, Attempted Suicidal Ideation Depression
Open enrollment study to collect data for the optimization of machine learning models for use in an app for the early detection of mental health and suicidal risk. expand

Open enrollment study to collect data for the optimization of machine learning models for use in an app for the early detection of mental health and suicidal risk.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jun 2020

open study

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Neuromodulation of Executive Function Across Neurops1
Massachusetts General Hospital Traumatic Brain Injury Major Depressive Disorder Bipolar Disorder Schizophrenia Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
In the current study, the investigators aim to understand the role of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving executive function across neuropsychiatric populations known to have deficits in this cognitive domain. expand

In the current study, the investigators aim to understand the role of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving executive function across neuropsychiatric populations known to have deficits in this cognitive domain.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2014

open study

PET Imaging of Cyclooxygenase in Participants With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Depression
Background: Researchers developed [11C]MC1, a radioligand for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme induced in the brain during inflammation. Researchers want to see the levels of COX-1 (measured as distribution volume VT) are elevated in the brain of two groups of mood disorders patients u1 expand

Background: Researchers developed [11C]MC1, a radioligand for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme induced in the brain during inflammation. Researchers want to see the levels of COX-1 (measured as distribution volume VT) are elevated in the brain of two groups of mood disorders patients undergoing MDE relative to the control group. Objective: To determine whether COX-1 and COX-2 are detectable in the brains of individuals with MDD experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE). Eligibility: People aged 18-70 years with MDD and Healthy Volunteers aged 18 70 years. Design: Group A: MDD participants will be studied with the same dose of [11C]MC1 before and after administration of 600 mg celecoxib; the study is neither randomized nor placebo-controlled. Group B: MDD participants, both medicated and unmedicated, will be studied with [11C]PS13 and compared to healthy volunteers.. https://nimhcontent.nimh.nih.gov/start/surveys/?s=TJW4RA4WN3LDD988

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2021

open study

Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression
University of Colorado, Denver Major Depressive Disorder Anhedonia Treatment Resistant Depression
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. expand

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.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2024

open study

Respiratory Training in the Treatment of Transdiagnostic Pathological Anxiety
University of Texas at Austin Anxiety Disorders Trauma Generalized Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder Agoraphobia
Purpose of the Research: The primary aim of the proposed study is to conduct a randomized parallel-group 2-arm clinical trial investigating capnometry-guided respiratory intervention (CGRI) for pathological anxiety. CGRI aims to raise end-tidal CO2 levels thereby lowering hyperventilation-induced r1 expand

Purpose of the Research: The primary aim of the proposed study is to conduct a randomized parallel-group 2-arm clinical trial investigating capnometry-guided respiratory intervention (CGRI) for pathological anxiety. CGRI aims to raise end-tidal CO2 levels thereby lowering hyperventilation-induced respiratory alkalosis and its associated fear-eliciting somatic reactions. Psycho-education about anxiety and its effects (PsyEd) will serve as a credible control comparator.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2022

open study

Neurobiology of Suicide
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Healthy Volunteers Depression
Background: There are no good treatments for people considering suicide. Researchers want to study suicide with questions, blood tests, brain imaging, and sleep studies. They hope to better understand suicide, so they can help suicidal people. Objective: To understand what happens in the brain w1 expand

Background: There are no good treatments for people considering suicide. Researchers want to study suicide with questions, blood tests, brain imaging, and sleep studies. They hope to better understand suicide, so they can help suicidal people. Objective: To understand what happens in the brain when someone has thought about or attempted suicide. Eligibility: Group 1: Adults ages 18 70 who have thought about or attempted suicide recently Group 2: Adults ages 18 70 who have thought about or attempted suicide in the past Group 3: Adults ages 18 70 who have depression or anxiety, but have never thought about suicide Group 4: Healthy volunteers the same ages. Design: Participants will be screened in another protocol. Adults who have recently thought about or attempted suicide must be referred by a doctor. They may do up to 3 phases of this study. Groups 2, 3 and 4 will do only Phase 1 and will not get ketamine. Phase 1: 1 week in hospital. Participants will have: Physical exam. Questions about thoughts and feelings. Thinking and memory tests and simple tasks. Blood and urine tests. Two MRI scans. Participants will lie on a table that slides into a metal cylinder that takes pictures. They will have a coil over their head and earplugs and do a computer task. Sleep test. Disks and bands will be placed on the body to monitor it during sleep. Magnetic detectors on their head while they perform tasks. A wrist monitor for activity and sleep. Lumbar puncture (optional). A needle will collect fluid from the back. Shock experiments (optional). Participants will observe pictures and sounds and feel a small shock on the hand. Phase 2: 4 days in hospital. A thin plastic tube will be placed in each arm, one for blood draws, the other to get the drug ketamine once. Participants will repeat most of the Phase 1 tests. Phase 3: up to 4 more ketamine doses over 2 weeks. Participants will have follow-up calls or visits at 6 months and then maybe yearly for 5 years.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2015

open study

Brief Exposure and Exercise for PTSD.
Troy Hubert PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if 8 sessions of brief exposure and exercise therapy works to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults. This study will also learn if participants think brief exposure and exercise therapy is a good and doable treatment. and The main question1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if 8 sessions of brief exposure and exercise therapy works to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults. This study will also learn if participants think brief exposure and exercise therapy is a good and doable treatment. and The main questions it aims to answer are: - Do participants find brief exposure and exercise an acceptable and feasible means of treatment for PTSD? - Does brief exposure and exercise decreases of the severity of PTSD symptoms? Participants will: - Complete weekly questionnaires for 10-14 weeks. - Attend 8 twice weekly exposure therapy and exercise sessions for 4 weeks.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

Internet-delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents With Autism and Anxiety
Baylor College of Medicine Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is very common in autistic youth. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment for both autistic and typically-developing (TD) youth with anxiety, yet most families cannot access CBT due to cost, practicalities of attending in-person treatment sessions, and a shortage of1 expand

Anxiety is very common in autistic youth. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment for both autistic and typically-developing (TD) youth with anxiety, yet most families cannot access CBT due to cost, practicalities of attending in-person treatment sessions, and a shortage of trained providers, especially in rural areas. The goal of this project is to increase access to care for families of autistic adolescents with anxiety through an internet-based treatment model.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2024

open study

Depressed Mood Improvement Through Nicotine Dosing 3
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Depressive Disorder
Deficits in cognitive control are core features of late-life depression (LLD), contributing both to emotion dysregulation and problems with inhibiting irrelevant information, conflict detection, and working memory. Clinically characterized as executive dysfunction, these deficits are associated wit1 expand

Deficits in cognitive control are core features of late-life depression (LLD), contributing both to emotion dysregulation and problems with inhibiting irrelevant information, conflict detection, and working memory. Clinically characterized as executive dysfunction, these deficits are associated with poor response to antidepressants and higher levels of disability. Improvement of cognitive control network (CCN) dysfunction may benefit both mood and cognitive performance, however no current pharmacotherapy improves Cognitive Control Network deficits in LLD. The study examines the hypothesis that nicotine acetylcholine receptor agonists enhance Cognitive Control Network function. This effect may resultantly improve mood and cognitive performance in LLD. Small, open-label studies of transdermal nicotine (TDN) patches have supported potential clinical benefit and provided support that transdermal nicotine administration engages the Cognitive Control Network. This blinded study will expand past open-label trials supporting potential benefit in LLD. It will examine TDN's effect on depression severity and cognitive control functions measured by neuropsychological testing. The study will evaluate 60 eligible and enrolled participants over a 3-year period.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2023

open study

Comparing Behavior Therapy and Yoga for Treating Depression Among Adults
Massachusetts General Hospital Depression
This is a parallel group study design. The investigators propose to compare an online, synchronous group-based yoga intervention developed for individuals with depression to an online, synchronous individualized, evidence-based behavioral therapy for depression, or Brief Behavioral Activation Treat1 expand

This is a parallel group study design. The investigators propose to compare an online, synchronous group-based yoga intervention developed for individuals with depression to an online, synchronous individualized, evidence-based behavioral therapy for depression, or Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BA). This study is a multi-site randomized trial of adults with clinically significant depressive symptoms. Participants (N=518) will be randomized in an equal allocation ratio (i.e., 1:1) across two intervention groups: yoga and BA. Interventions will be provided over a 12-week period and assessments will occur at baseline (week 0), week 6, week 12, week 18, and week 24.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2023

open study

Effects of Multi-day Interruptions in Sitting on Type 2 Diabetes-relevant Outcomes in Children
University of Southern California Sedentary Behavior Affect Metabolic Disturbance Anxiety Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Function
The overall objective of this in-lab randomized controlled trial is to test the efficacy of multi-day interruptions in sedentary behavior vs. single bouts of sustained exercise on metabolic, cognitive, affective, and cardiac autonomic nervous system responses in children with overweight and obesity1 expand

The overall objective of this in-lab randomized controlled trial is to test the efficacy of multi-day interruptions in sedentary behavior vs. single bouts of sustained exercise on metabolic, cognitive, affective, and cardiac autonomic nervous system responses in children with overweight and obesity who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. The use of continuous glucose monitoring will provide insight into the daily and cumulative metabolic effects of each condition that have thus far not been studied. In-lab studies demonstrating sustained efficacy of this approach in ameliorating negative effects of sedentary behaviors in children are necessary for the optimization of field-based interventions. Given the lack of success of interventions to prevent obesity-related diseases and increasing rates of type 2 diabetes in children and its related healthcare costs, this study addresses a critical public health need by testing of novel intervention strategies to reduce obesity-related diseases in children with overweight and obesity.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2022

open study

Inflammatory Challenge and Fear
University of California, San Francisco Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The goal of this study is to learn if short-term changes in the immune system alter how we process information and experience fear. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do people who receive typhoid vaccine respond differently than those who receive a placebo saline vaccine? Do people who rec1 expand

The goal of this study is to learn if short-term changes in the immune system alter how we process information and experience fear. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do people who receive typhoid vaccine respond differently than those who receive a placebo saline vaccine? Do people who receive typhoid vaccine experience changes in how they think and feel? Participants will: Attend four appointments at the San Francisco VA Health Care System; Receive typhoid vaccine or placebo at one of the visits; Have their physiological responding measured while listening to sounds; Complete questionnaires and psychological tests.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2025

open study

Personalizing Treatment Delivery
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms PTSD and Trauma-related Symptoms Alcohol; Use, Problem; Alcohol Use Disorder
Anxiety and anxiety-related disorders frequently co-occur with alcohol use problems resulting in an enormous humanitarian and economic cost to society. The proposed research will use digital technology to examine person-specific risk factors predicting problematic alcohol use in individuals vulnera1 expand

Anxiety and anxiety-related disorders frequently co-occur with alcohol use problems resulting in an enormous humanitarian and economic cost to society. The proposed research will use digital technology to examine person-specific risk factors predicting problematic alcohol use in individuals vulnerable to anxiety and anxiety-related disorders and will use this information to design a personalized intervention for individuals seeking psychological treatment. Results from this research will integrate output from novel and innovative digital technology methods into psychotherapy, advancing research on personalized treatment and prevention efforts.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

Neural Correlates of Stress and Perceived Control in Adolescent Depression
Mclean Hospital Major Depressive Disorder
Lack of perceived control, particularly during stress, has been critically implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD) and anhedonic symptoms, especially among female adolescents; yet the neural underpinnings of perceived control disruptions in MDD remain poorly understood. Using functional magne1 expand

Lack of perceived control, particularly during stress, has been critically implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD) and anhedonic symptoms, especially among female adolescents; yet the neural underpinnings of perceived control disruptions in MDD remain poorly understood. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging with a novel "value of control task" in conjunction with a prospective design, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of stress and perceived control related mechanisms in female adolescents with MDD and will examine stress-induced disruptions in perceived control as a predictor of "real world" expressions of maladaptive coping and anhedonia.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2021

open study

Efficacy and Safety of Magnesium Vitamin B6 in First Episode Bipolar Disorder
Mclean Hospital Bipolar I Disorder Depression, Anxiety Stress
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Magnesium-vitamin B6in combination with treatment as usual for treating symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety in patients with first episode bipolar I disorder. expand

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Magnesium-vitamin B6in combination with treatment as usual for treating symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety in patients with first episode bipolar I disorder.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2023

open study

Mindfulness-Based fMRI Neurofeedback for Depression
Columbia University Depression in Adolescence Rumination
In the United States, adolescents experience alarmingly high rates of major depression, and gold-standard treatments are only effective for approximately half of patients. Rumination may be a promising treatment target, as it is well-characterized at the neural level and contributes to depression o1 expand

In the United States, adolescents experience alarmingly high rates of major depression, and gold-standard treatments are only effective for approximately half of patients. Rumination may be a promising treatment target, as it is well-characterized at the neural level and contributes to depression onset, maintenance, and recurrence as well as predicts treatment non-response. Accordingly, the proposed research will investigate whether an innovative mindfulness-based real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback intervention successfully elicits change in the brain circuit underlying rumination to improve clinical outcomes among depressed adolescents.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2024

open study

Neuromodulation of the Fear Extinction Circuit Using Temporally and Anatomically Specific TMS in Hu1
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston PTSD
This study aims to explore the mechanisms of how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) impacts fear circuits. The overarching objectives are to understand how varying TMS parameters affect targeted brain regions in order to optimize its impact on enhancing fear extinction memory consolidation in1 expand

This study aims to explore the mechanisms of how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) impacts fear circuits. The overarching objectives are to understand how varying TMS parameters affect targeted brain regions in order to optimize its impact on enhancing fear extinction memory consolidation in a population with known fear extinction deficiencies: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 250 subjects will take part in this research study across UTHealth Houston. The study will include preliminary screenings, baseline visits, and experimental visits across four days

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2022

open study

Correcting Circadian Rhythms to Breakthrough in Bipolar Disorder
Leslie Swanson Bipolar Disorder Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder
The purpose of this study is to test whether a dietary supplement (low-dose melatonin) commonly used to treat night owls, administered in conjunction with a behavioral sleep intervention, will help to shift the brain clock earlier and improve mood and sleep in bipolar disorder. Eligible participant1 expand

The purpose of this study is to test whether a dietary supplement (low-dose melatonin) commonly used to treat night owls, administered in conjunction with a behavioral sleep intervention, will help to shift the brain clock earlier and improve mood and sleep in bipolar disorder. Eligible participants will be randomized to receive melatonin plus a behavioral sleep intervention or placebo plus a behavioral sleep placebo. The hypotheses for this study include: - Melatonin plus behavioral sleep intervention (compared to placebo plus behavioral sleep placebo) will produce a greater advance of dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), between pre- and post-treatment. - Melatonin (compared to placebo) will produce a greater reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score between pre- and post-treatment.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2024

open study

Transcranial Near Infrared Radiation and Cerebral Blood Flow in Depression - R33
NYU Langone Health Major Depressive Disorder
The purpose of this research study is to determine if application of near infrared energy to the forehead can change blood flow in the brains of people with depression. Near infrared energy is like light but is not visible to the human eye. expand

The purpose of this research study is to determine if application of near infrared energy to the forehead can change blood flow in the brains of people with depression. Near infrared energy is like light but is not visible to the human eye.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2023

open study