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.


849 matching studies

Sponsor Condition of Interest
Creative Arts Program to Reduce Burnout in Healthcare Professionals
University of Colorado, Denver Burn-Out Syndrome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Depression, Anxiety
This study plans to learn if creative arts programs that include visual, musical, written, or physical expression can reduce symptoms of burnout syndrome, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in critical care healthcare professionals. This study also explores if creative a1 expand

This study plans to learn if creative arts programs that include visual, musical, written, or physical expression can reduce symptoms of burnout syndrome, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in critical care healthcare professionals. This study also explores if creative arts can enhance the connection to the purpose of work, the development of adequate coping skills, while providing time to connect with peers.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2020

open study

RIVER At Home Ketamine Protocols
RIVER Foundation Chronic Condition Chronic Pain Chronic Disease Major Depressive Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Multiple site studies with the recruitment of other sub-investigators and sites. It's sobering to consider how chronic illness makes us more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and behavior. However, the existence of multiple risk factors also means that there are numerous ways to intervene. Addressing1 expand

Multiple site studies with the recruitment of other sub-investigators and sites. It's sobering to consider how chronic illness makes us more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and behavior. However, the existence of multiple risk factors also means that there are numerous ways to intervene. Addressing and improving even one risk area will reverberate and improve other areas and the quality of life. RIVER Foundation is completing a 500-participant pilot study researching the safety of oral and nasal ketamine at home with no therapy. The pilot study examined three psychological scales: P.H.Q. 9, G.A.D. 7, and PCL5 scores. The interim report will be available in Nov 2023 with a final report in June 2024. The lack of knowledge for the average medical practitioner makes ketamine a boutique medicine, often costly and unaffordable to those in need. Yet daily medical providers are eliminating ketamine as a choice in the treatment of chronic conditions. The pilot study demonstrated the who, and where. The who, was adults with a chronic condition. The pilot study demonstrated the majority of those who could use ketamine are not receiving it due to cost. According to the 500-participant study, ketamine is safe and effective for at-home use thus demonstrating the where (at home with no supervision).

Type: Observational

Start Date: Oct 2023

open study

Determining Optimal Treatment Sequences in Anxious Depression (DOTS-AD)
University of Cincinnati Anxious Depression Depression
Acute, double-blind, adaptively randomized treatment with duloxetine or escitalopram, followed by double-blind, randomized adjunctive treatment with clonazepam or pregabalin for persistent symptoms. expand

Acute, double-blind, adaptively randomized treatment with duloxetine or escitalopram, followed by double-blind, randomized adjunctive treatment with clonazepam or pregabalin for persistent symptoms.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2020

open study

Reducing Mental Health Disparities Among Latinxs With a Telenovela Intervention
University of Nevada, Reno Anxiety Disorders
The primary aim of our study is to determine the effectiveness of an transdiagnostic telenovela video intervention in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms using a pre/post-test design with Spanish-speaking Latinxs. expand

The primary aim of our study is to determine the effectiveness of an transdiagnostic telenovela video intervention in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms using a pre/post-test design with Spanish-speaking Latinxs.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2024

open study

Music-Based Interventions, Aging, Alzheimer's Disease
University of Southern California Speech Perception Anxiety Social Behavior
Using a randomized controlled trial design, the investigators will examine the effects of music engagement through choir training on the hearing, communication, and psychosocial well-being of older adults, particularly those at heightened risk of developing dementia. expand

Using a randomized controlled trial design, the investigators will examine the effects of music engagement through choir training on the hearing, communication, and psychosocial well-being of older adults, particularly those at heightened risk of developing dementia.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

IN Midazolam vs IN Dexmedetomidine vs IN Ketamine During Minimal Procedures in Pediatric ED
University of Oklahoma Laceration of Skin Anxiety Discharge Time
Pain in young children has been universally under-recognized due to their inability to describe or localize pain. Improvements in pharmacological interventions are necessary to optimize patient and family experience and allow for successful and efficient procedure completion. This is the first stud1 expand

Pain in young children has been universally under-recognized due to their inability to describe or localize pain. Improvements in pharmacological interventions are necessary to optimize patient and family experience and allow for successful and efficient procedure completion. This is the first study that will compare three intranasal medications (Intranasal Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine, and Ketamine) to evaluate the length of stay after medication administration along with patient and provider satisfaction. The objective of this study is to demonstrate superior intranasal anxiolysis for pediatric laceration repairs with the shortest emergency department stay and highest patient and provider satisfaction. Based on previous studies and medication pharmacokinetics, we hypothesize that Intranasal Ketamine will have the shortest Emergency Department (ED) stay followed by Midazolam and then Dexmedetomidine with the longest stay; however, Dexmedetomidine will have the highest patient and provider satisfaction followed by Ketamine and then Midazolam.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2023

open study

Toward Understanding Drivers of Patient Engagement With Digital Mental Health Interventions - Part1
Brigham and Women's Hospital Depression Anxiety Disorders
This study is a clinical trial that evaluates what drives patient engagement and tests the impact of two strategies-automated motivational push messaging and coach support-to improve engagement with an evidence-based mobile app intervention for depression and/or anxiety. expand

This study is a clinical trial that evaluates what drives patient engagement and tests the impact of two strategies-automated motivational push messaging and coach support-to improve engagement with an evidence-based mobile app intervention for depression and/or anxiety.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2023

open study

Accelerated Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation (aiTBS) in Treatment-Resistant Depression of Bipol1
Stanford University Bipolar II Disorder, Most Recent Episode Major Depressive Current Depressive Episode Treatment Resistant Depression
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of accelerated intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (aiTBS) in inducing anti-depressant responses in individuals with treatment-resistant depression of bipolar II disorder. This is a double-blind, randomized, sham-c1 expand

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of accelerated intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (aiTBS) in inducing anti-depressant responses in individuals with treatment-resistant depression of bipolar II disorder. This is a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial that targets a single location on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) using the MagPro rTMS system.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2022

open study

Reaching Out to Distressed Medical Residents, Fellows and Faculty
Oregon Health and Science University Depression Suicide
The purpose of this study is to study whether distressed medical residents, fellows, and faculty health professionals benefit from completing online an anonymous and interactive screening of stress, depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts. The screening and ability to interact online with1 expand

The purpose of this study is to study whether distressed medical residents, fellows, and faculty health professionals benefit from completing online an anonymous and interactive screening of stress, depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts. The screening and ability to interact online with a clinician anonymously are hypothesized to increase willingness to come for counseling in person. Suicide risk factors are expected to be lower once the distressed medical trainee or faculty member receives treatment.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2014

open study

Parenting Skills Group for Mothers With Postpartum Depression
University of Colorado, Denver Postpartum Depression
The goal of this longitudinal study is to study the effects of a parenting skills group (Circle of Security Parenting, aka COSP) in mothers with postpartum depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: - Will changes in methylation of the OXTR rs53576 be apparent in mother and/or infant1 expand

The goal of this longitudinal study is to study the effects of a parenting skills group (Circle of Security Parenting, aka COSP) in mothers with postpartum depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: - Will changes in methylation of the OXTR rs53576 be apparent in mother and/or infant after having gone through the 8-week COSP program? - Will COSP participation be associated with improved symptoms of postpartum depression (over and above standard care), attachment style, and relational characteristics of the mother-infant dyad? - Will COSP participation be associated with changes in social behavior in the infant, and if so, do they persist throughout childhood? Participants will - Participate in an 8-week COSP program delivered remotely via Zoom. - Provide buccal swabs (mother and infant) to assess changes in methylation of OXTR rs53576 pre- versus post-intervention. - Complete a series of assessment questionnaires delivered remotely. - Videotape a play-based assessment in their home. - Receive infant developmental testing Researchers will compare characteristics of waitlist controls to those participating in the COSP program at the mid-way point of the program to see if the two groups differ.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2023

open study

Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Major Depression
Andrew Krystal Major Depressive Disorder
Neurons are specialized types of cells that are responsible for carrying out the functions of the brain. Neurons communicate with electrical signals. In diseases such as major depression this electrical communication can go awry. One way to change brain function is using electrical stimulation to h1 expand

Neurons are specialized types of cells that are responsible for carrying out the functions of the brain. Neurons communicate with electrical signals. In diseases such as major depression this electrical communication can go awry. One way to change brain function is using electrical stimulation to help alter the communication between groups of neurons in the brain. The purpose of this study is to test a personalized approach to brain stimulation as an intervention for depression. The study researchers will use a surgically implanted device to measure each individual's brain activity related to his/her depression. The researchers will then use small electrical impulses to alter that brain activity and measure whether these changes help reduce depression symptoms. This study is intended for patients with major depression whose symptoms have not been adequately treated with currently available therapies. The device used in this study is called the NeuroPace Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) System. It is currently FDA approved to treat patients with epilepsy. The study will test whether personalized responsive neurostimulation can safely and effectively treat depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2019

open study

Creatine for Depressed Male and Female Methamphetamine Users
Montana State University Depression Anxiety Methamphetamine Dependence
- Assess the antidepressant/anxiolytic effect of creatine in male and female methamphetamine users - Assess creatine's effect on methamphetamine use - Assess the safety of creatine in male methamphetamine users with depression expand

- Assess the antidepressant/anxiolytic effect of creatine in male and female methamphetamine users - Assess creatine's effect on methamphetamine use - Assess the safety of creatine in male methamphetamine users with depression

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2015

open study

A Study of Seltorexant as Monotherapy in Adults and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Diso1
Janssen Research & Development, LLC Depressive Disorder, Major
The main purpose of this study is to assess how well the study drug (JNJ-42847922) works (efficacy) compared with placebo in improving depressive symptoms in participants with major depressive disorder ([MDD], a common mood disorder that causes a lasting feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in1 expand

The main purpose of this study is to assess how well the study drug (JNJ-42847922) works (efficacy) compared with placebo in improving depressive symptoms in participants with major depressive disorder ([MDD], a common mood disorder that causes a lasting feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in everyday activities) in double-blind treatment phase. Further, to evaluate long-term safety and tolerability of JNJ-42847922 in participants with MDD in the open label treatment phase.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2026

open study

Group Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
University of New Mexico PTSD
This study is a community-informed, pragmatic, open-label, phase 1 clinical trial of group-format psilocybin-assisted therapy (GPAT) for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The primary objectives of this phase 1 study are to assess the safety and feasibility of (GPAT) for indivi1 expand

This study is a community-informed, pragmatic, open-label, phase 1 clinical trial of group-format psilocybin-assisted therapy (GPAT) for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The primary objectives of this phase 1 study are to assess the safety and feasibility of (GPAT) for individuals with (PTSD) and to evaluate preliminary effects on PTSD severity.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2026

open study

Virtual Reality as a Method for Pain and Anxiety Control During First Trimester Procedural Abortion
Study Investigator Abortion, First Trimester Pain Management Pain After Surgery Satisfaction Satisfaction With Care
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether use of a virtual reality (VR) headset showing a meditative nature video will help reduce pain and anxiety during a first trimester procedural abortion. Investigators will enroll 72 patients undergoing a first trimester procedural abortion with usu1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether use of a virtual reality (VR) headset showing a meditative nature video will help reduce pain and anxiety during a first trimester procedural abortion. Investigators will enroll 72 patients undergoing a first trimester procedural abortion with usual care to manage pain and anxiety compared to use of a VR headset in addition to usual care to see if use of the VR headset will decrease pain and anxiety and increase satisfaction with the procedure.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2026

open study

Being Safe, Healthy, And Positively Empowered (BSHAPE) Intervention Study
Johns Hopkins University Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Depression Violence
The purpose of the study is to evaluate a trauma informed digital multicomponent intervention design to improve health and safety outcomes for women with lifetime exposures to violence and co-occurring PTSD and/or depression symptoms expand

The purpose of the study is to evaluate a trauma informed digital multicomponent intervention design to improve health and safety outcomes for women with lifetime exposures to violence and co-occurring PTSD and/or depression symptoms

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2025

open study

Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Anxiety Disorders
Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, PhD Symptoms of Anxiety
The investigators have previously shown that safe, non-invasive methods of brain stimulation such as the administration of transcranial infrared light can result in improvements to cognition and emotion. The investigators hypothesize that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) can be used in conjun1 expand

The investigators have previously shown that safe, non-invasive methods of brain stimulation such as the administration of transcranial infrared light can result in improvements to cognition and emotion. The investigators hypothesize that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) can be used in conjunction with attention bias assessment and modification to reduce anxiety symptoms in individuals with sub-clinical anxiety.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2025

open study

Mindful Self-compassion for Anxiety and Depression: Impact of Delivery Method
Georgetown University Anxiety Disorders Generalized Anxiety Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder Agoraphobia
The study will compare the delivery of an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion training, in-person against video-conference, on anxiety and depression symptom severity in patients with diagnosed anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder) or major depress1 expand

The study will compare the delivery of an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion training, in-person against video-conference, on anxiety and depression symptom severity in patients with diagnosed anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder) or major depressive disorder or dysthymia.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

Teen Brain Online II: Understanding How Social Media Affects the Teen Brain
University of Pittsburgh Depression
There has been much interest in the potential role of social media (SM) use in driving a current mental health crisis among teens, with a dire need for evidence that goes beyond self-report. One important avenue is to understand the role of the brain in driving the effects of SM use on emotional he1 expand

There has been much interest in the potential role of social media (SM) use in driving a current mental health crisis among teens, with a dire need for evidence that goes beyond self-report. One important avenue is to understand the role of the brain in driving the effects of SM use on emotional health and vice versa. However, there is almost no research addressing these questions, largely due to a lack of tasks that can probe the neural correlates of modern SM use. The goal of this clinical trial is to develop and validate a new developmentally-appropriate and ecologically-valid functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and eyetracking task, the TeenBrainOnline (TBO) Task, that is more realistic and similar to modern SM platforms. Participants will be 50 teens (ages 13-17) with depressive symptoms who will complete the final version of TBO task during fMRI with eye-tracking, an older Chatroom Interact (CHAT-I) Task, daily surveys of SM use, and measures of depressive symptoms. Our goal is to show that the task works by: - Demonstrating that it activates expected regions of the brain and visual attention biases toward feedback cues. - Showing that brain and eyetracking (visual attention) activity on the task explain variability in depressive symptoms at baseline and three months later, and work better than similar indices from an older task. - Showing that brain and eyetracking (visual attention) activity on the task are associated with real-world measures of social media use collected during daily surveys. Specifically, The investigators expect that teens whose brain and eyetracking activity suggests they are more sensitive to feedback on SM will report a social evaluation orientation toward social media use in daily life, such as engaging a lot in social comparison, worrying about missing out, and caring about getting a lot of likes and comments. Participants will be asked to: - complete a 10-15 minute screening call to determine eligibility for the study - complete one 90 minute virtual study visit to complete questionnaires and prepare for the MRI visit (visit 1) - submit 24 photos to our study specific social media site - complete an (in person) MRI scan visit (~4 hours), which consists of 2 tasks where they will interact with peers (visit 2) - complete ~5 minute smartphone surveys 3 times a day for 16 days, asking about their daily experiences online and emotional reactions. - complete 2 online questionnaires asynchronously 3 months after their scan date

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2025

open study

Establishing Mobile Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Medical University of South Carolina Treatment Resistant Major Depression
In this pilot study, investigators propose to design and create a portable TMS unit, in a van, and then test out delivering TMS in three different locations in South Carolina, all affiliated with MUSC and within 2-hours driving from Charleston, SC. This study would test out this new delivery mode,1 expand

In this pilot study, investigators propose to design and create a portable TMS unit, in a van, and then test out delivering TMS in three different locations in South Carolina, all affiliated with MUSC and within 2-hours driving from Charleston, SC. This study would test out this new delivery mode, and provide valuable feasibility, safety, and efficacy lessons for later refinement and potential widespread adoption of mobile TMS as a treatment option, both in our state and across the US.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2025

open study

Modulating Exercise Dosage to Improve Concussion Recovery
University of Colorado, Denver Concussion, Brain Treatment Aerobic Exercise Inflammation Depression, Anxiety
Aerobic exercise has emerged as an effective treatment to reduce sport-related concussion symptom severity, yet existing work lacks rigor regarding the precise exercise volume and intensity required to elicit therapeutic effects, how exercise can alter concussion-related pathophysiology, and whethe1 expand

Aerobic exercise has emerged as an effective treatment to reduce sport-related concussion symptom severity, yet existing work lacks rigor regarding the precise exercise volume and intensity required to elicit therapeutic effects, how exercise can alter concussion-related pathophysiology, and whether exercise can prevent the development of secondary sequelae. Our objective is to examine if a high dose exercise program (higher volume than currently prescribed at an individualized, safe intensity level) initiated within 14 days of concussion results in faster symptom resolution, altered physiological function, or reduced secondary sequalae. Findings from this research will lead to more rigorous and precise rehabilitation guidelines and improved understanding about how exercise affects neurophysiological function among adolescents with concussion.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2022

open study

Study to Evaluate Weight Gain as Assessed by Change in BMI Z-score in Pediatric Subjects With Schiz1
Alkermes, Inc. Schizophrenia Bipolar I Disorder
To compare changes in body mass index (BMI) Z-score following treatment with OLZ/SAM vs olanzapine expand

To compare changes in body mass index (BMI) Z-score following treatment with OLZ/SAM vs olanzapine

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2022

open study

Buspirone and Melatonin for Depression Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Massachusetts General Hospital Depression Brain Injuries, Traumatic
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common. Post-TBI depression is associated with anxiety, aggression, fatigue, distractibility, anger, irritability, and rumination. The current research group conducted a pilot clinical trial, which investigated the novel treatment combination of buspirone and mel1 expand

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common. Post-TBI depression is associated with anxiety, aggression, fatigue, distractibility, anger, irritability, and rumination. The current research group conducted a pilot clinical trial, which investigated the novel treatment combination of buspirone and melatonin (B+MEL) in outpatients with clinical depression. Compared to placebo, B+MEL was associated with a significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Depression following TBI may be different from clinical depression. The B+MEL combination has never been studied in patients with post-TBI depression. The B+MEL has shown promise in ameliorating cognitive difficulties in people with depression. Because cognitive problems are typical in people with post-TBI depression, we plan to measure the effect of the B+MEL combination on cognitive ability in post-TBI depression. Additionally, we are interested in measuring functional magnetic resonance imaging changes before and after treatment with B+MEL in order to gain insight into the brain mechanisms of our hypothesized clinical symptom changes. The goals of the proposed pilot research project are to assess changes in symptoms in patients with post-TBI depression following Buspirone + Melatonin combination (B+MEL), and the corresponding brain mechanisms underlying these hypothesized changes by measuring: 1) depressive symptoms; 2) cognitive symptoms; 3) functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2020

open study

Pupillometry in Identifying Risk of Postoperative Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression in Children1
NeurOptics Inc Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression Postoperative Complications (Cardiopulmonary) Respiratory Complications Due to Anesthesia
This study will evaluate whether quantitative pupillometry measurements can be used to identify children at risk for postoperative opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) following tonsillectomy. Opioid-induced respiratory depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication t1 expand

This study will evaluate whether quantitative pupillometry measurements can be used to identify children at risk for postoperative opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) following tonsillectomy. Opioid-induced respiratory depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur after surgery, and current monitoring approaches are limited in their ability to predict which patients are at highest risk. In this prospective observational cohort study, approximately 300 pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy will undergo non-invasive pupillometry measurements at defined perioperative time points, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. Pupillometry measurements will be collected using a commercially available, FDA-regulated infrared pupillometer. These measurements will include pupil size, constriction and dilation velocities, and latency in response to light stimulation. Pupillometry data will be collected for research purposes only and will not be used to guide clinical care or treatment decisions. Standard clinical care will not be altered as part of this study. Clinical outcomes, including the occurrence of postoperative opioid-induced respiratory depression, opioid use, sedation levels, pain scores, and other postoperative events, will be recorded from the medical record. The goal of this study is to evaluate the relationship between pupillary response patterns and the occurrence of postoperative respiratory depression, and to support the development of predictive models that may improve early identification of patients at risk for opioid-related adverse events.

Type: Observational

Start Date: May 2026

open study

Fear and Anxiety in Anesthesia-Naïve Patients Pre-operatively vs Post-operatively
Stony Brook University Anxiety Anesthesia Awareness
The goal of this observational study is to understand how fear and anxiety felt by anesthesia-naive patients compares before versus after their scheduled surgery. Patients who are scheduled to undergo a low-risk surgery/procedure and have never had anesthesia before will be asked to: 1. Fill out1 expand

The goal of this observational study is to understand how fear and anxiety felt by anesthesia-naive patients compares before versus after their scheduled surgery. Patients who are scheduled to undergo a low-risk surgery/procedure and have never had anesthesia before will be asked to: 1. Fill out a survey before their surgery in the perioperative setting 2. Answer follow-up questions over the phone a few days after their surgery.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Feb 2026

open study