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.


830 matching studies

Sponsor Condition of Interest
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

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

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

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

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

Uncertainty and Firearms: Obtaining Secure Storage
Ohio State University Anxiety
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether inclusion of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for Uncertainty-Enhanced (CUE) with Lethal Means Counseling (LMC) is acceptable, feasible, and efficacious in addressing secure firearm storage and associated psychological constructs in active duty s1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether inclusion of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for Uncertainty-Enhanced (CUE) with Lethal Means Counseling (LMC) is acceptable, feasible, and efficacious in addressing secure firearm storage and associated psychological constructs in active duty servicemembers. The clinical trial aims to: - Assess the preliminary efficacy of a LMC intervention, augmented with CUE, on firearm storage practices - Examine mechanisms through which CUE and LMC increase firearm storage practices - Assess credibility and acceptability of LMC Participants will complete: - One baseline visit - Two intervention sessions-CUE and LMC - Six brief surveys per day for 28 days using a mobile application - One mid-point survey and five follow-up surveys

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2023

open study

Effectiveness RCT of Customized Adherence Enhancement
Case Western Reserve University Bipolar Disorder
Approximately one in two individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) are non-adherent with medication, often leading to severe and negative consequences. Unfortunately, there is no widely used evidence-based approach to target poor adherence among individuals with BD. Building upon positive efficacy tri1 expand

Approximately one in two individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) are non-adherent with medication, often leading to severe and negative consequences. Unfortunately, there is no widely used evidence-based approach to target poor adherence among individuals with BD. Building upon positive efficacy trial results, the proposed project will test the effectiveness of technology-facilitated Customized Adherence Enhancement (CAE) vs. enhanced treatment as usual (eTAU) using a prospective randomized controlled design in public mental health care settings and preferentially enrolling poorly adherent/high-risk individuals with BD. Deliverables include a curriculum-driven adherence enhancement approach that can be implemented in public healthcare settings and which can improve outcomes for the most vulnerable groups of people with BD.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2022

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

Lay-Delivered Behavioral Activation in Senior Centers
University of Washington Depression
In response to large numbers of senior center clients who suffer untreated depression and the dearth of geriatric mental health providers, the investigators have simplified Behavioral Activation to be delivered by lay volunteers ("Do More, Feel Better"; DMFB). The focus of Behavioral Activation is1 expand

In response to large numbers of senior center clients who suffer untreated depression and the dearth of geriatric mental health providers, the investigators have simplified Behavioral Activation to be delivered by lay volunteers ("Do More, Feel Better"; DMFB). The focus of Behavioral Activation is to guide clients to reengage in daily pleasant and rewarding activities, and reduce depressive symptoms. If the investigators can show that the lay delivery model has positive impact in comparison to MSW-delivered Behavioral Activation, the investigators will have identified an effective intervention that can be used by a large untapped workforce of older adult volunteers across the nation.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2021

open study

Neuromodulation for a Novel OCD Biomarker and Treatment
Boston University Charles River Campus OCD
Although multiple treatments for OCD exist, slow symptom decrease, high remission, and significant side effects for some OCD patients limit their efficacy. More research into the precise neural mechanisms and linked cognitive functions in OCD is also necessary. To address both concerns, this study1 expand

Although multiple treatments for OCD exist, slow symptom decrease, high remission, and significant side effects for some OCD patients limit their efficacy. More research into the precise neural mechanisms and linked cognitive functions in OCD is also necessary. To address both concerns, this study by Dr. Reinhart and his team will test a new, non-invasive, and well-tolerated neuromodulation method for reducing OCD symptoms, based on reward-related rhythms of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; a brain region responsible for reward, decision making and other crucial functions that is affected by OCD). This proposal is based on highly encouraging preliminary data in both subsyndromal and treatment-resistant populations that shows rapid reductions in OCD behaviors that last at least 1-3 months. Using high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) guided by EEG brain wave recordings, the study will test whether repetitive modulation of relevant rhythm activity in the OFC can lead to rapid (within five days) and sustainable (up to three months) OCD symptom reduction. This research aims to increase knowledge of OCD and development of effective treatment with minimal side effects.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 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

Early Intervention Following Sexual Assault
Medical University of South Carolina Ptsd Alcohol Use Disorder Sexual Assault and Rape
This study is for women who have experienced a sexual assault in the past six weeks and use alcohol. The research involves completing a five week behavioral treatment for stress and alcohol use. Participants will complete surveys during visits. Participants may also be asked to complete brief daily1 expand

This study is for women who have experienced a sexual assault in the past six weeks and use alcohol. The research involves completing a five week behavioral treatment for stress and alcohol use. Participants will complete surveys during visits. Participants may also be asked to complete brief daily assessments on their smart phones.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 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

MRI Markers of Feedback Timing During Learning in Individuals with TBI with and Without Clinical De1
Kessler Foundation Traumatic Brain Injury Major Depressive Disorder
The goal of this proposal is to examine the influence of feedback timing on learning and brain function in individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), with and without depression. expand

The goal of this proposal is to examine the influence of feedback timing on learning and brain function in individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), with and without depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2021

open study

Respiratory Training vs Interoceptive Exposure in the Treatment of Transdiagnostic Pathological Anx1
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 3-arm clinical trial comparing two mechanistically distinct interventions for pathological anxiety - (1) Interoceptive Exposure (IE) utilizing graduated exposure to somatic cues (respiratory, ca1 expand

Purpose of the Research: The primary aim of the proposed study is to conduct a randomized parallel-group 3-arm clinical trial comparing two mechanistically distinct interventions for pathological anxiety - (1) Interoceptive Exposure (IE) utilizing graduated exposure to somatic cues (respiratory, cardiac, vestibular) with the primary aim of reducing fear responding to the presence of interoceptive perturbations; (2) Capnometry-Guided Respiratory Intervention (CGRI) aimed at raising end-tidal CO2 levels thereby lowering hyperventilation-induced respiratory alkalosis and its associated fear-eliciting somatic reactions; and (3) Psycho-education about anxiety and its effects (PsyEd), which will serve as a credible control comparator.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2022

open study

Characterization and Treatment of Adolescent Depression
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Depression
This research study seeks to find causes and treatments of depression in teenagers. The study goals are to increase our knowledge of treatments for depression and understand how the brain changes when teenagers have depression. The study will also compare teenagers with depression to those without1 expand

This research study seeks to find causes and treatments of depression in teenagers. The study goals are to increase our knowledge of treatments for depression and understand how the brain changes when teenagers have depression. The study will also compare teenagers with depression to those without mental health diagnoses. This outpatient study is recruiting participants ages 11-17 who are depressed. They must have a pediatrician or other medical provider, be medically healthy, and able to perform research tasks. They may not currently be hospitalized, psychotic or actively suicidal. Teenagers with depression are eligible even if they are taking medication. The study begins with an evaluation that includes clinical assessment, interviews, and questionnaires. - Visits may include paper-and-pencil and computer tests of mood, memory, and thinking; specialized computer games; and structural and brain imaging. If eligible, study participants may return several times a year for up to two years. This part of the study does not involve treatment. - Participants may be eligible for outpatient treatment for up to 25 weeks. This includes evidenced-based "talk" therapy. Participants may choose either Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If indicated, participants may opt to receive standard medication treatments along with psychotherapy. Research includes computer tasks and brain imaging. All clinical evaluations, research tasks and visits are free of cost. Participants are compensated for research activities. Parents and teenager must agree to the teenager s participation in research. The study is conducted at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland and enrolls participants from the Washington DC Metro region within 50 miles of NIH. Transportation expenses are reimbursed by NIMH.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Dec 2017

open study

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of KarXT for the Treatment of Manic Episodes in Bipolar1
Bristol-Myers Squibb Bipolar-I Disorder With Mania or Mania With Mixed Features
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KarXT for the treatment of manic episodes in Bipolar-I Disorder expand

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KarXT for the treatment of manic episodes in Bipolar-I Disorder

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

Brain Activity Changes After Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Autistic Youth From High-N1
Montclair State University Autism Spectrum Disorder Anxiety
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate neural constructs related to anxiety symptoms in response to Facing Your Fears (FYF) treatment in autistic participants with co-occurring anxiety. Researchers will compare participants receiving immediate FYF intervention to those in the waitlist c1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate neural constructs related to anxiety symptoms in response to Facing Your Fears (FYF) treatment in autistic participants with co-occurring anxiety. Researchers will compare participants receiving immediate FYF intervention to those in the waitlist control group (receiving treatment as usual) to see if there are differences in neural constructs and anxiety symptom changes over the study period. Participants will: - Complete the Facing Your Fears (FYF) intervention if assigned to the immediate treatment group - Continue their usual treatment during a waitlist period if assigned to the control group, followed by the opportunity to participate in FYF intervention after the waiting period ends - Complete assessments of neural constructs, anxiety symptoms, and other measures

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2025

open study

Probiotic Administration for Adolescent Depression
University of California, San Francisco Depression
This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will examine the effect of probiotic Visbiome on the brain and gut microbiome of individuals 15 to 24 years of age. expand

This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will examine the effect of probiotic Visbiome on the brain and gut microbiome of individuals 15 to 24 years of age.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2025

open study

Combining Esketamine and Prolonged Exposure Treatment for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
This study is being done to see if Prolonged Exposure (PE), a well-researched, very effective individual (one-to-one) behavioral therapy designed to help people to directly deal with traumatic events they have suffered in the past, can be combined with intranasal esketamine (ketamine) for the treat1 expand

This study is being done to see if Prolonged Exposure (PE), a well-researched, very effective individual (one-to-one) behavioral therapy designed to help people to directly deal with traumatic events they have suffered in the past, can be combined with intranasal esketamine (ketamine) for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to enhance treatment benefits. Ketamine nasal spray is a drug approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment resistant depression. Combined with PE, intranasal ketamine may help to augment PE and further reduce participants' PTSD symptoms.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

Long-term Potentiation Disruption Underlying Cognitive Impairment in ECT
University of New Mexico Major Depressive Disorder Bipolar Disorder II
Cognitive problems, like memory loss, are common after brain injuries like trauma or stroke. These problems make daily life harder, and the investigators don't yet know the best ways to help the brain recover. Scientists think that a process in the brain called long-term potentiation (LTP) is impor1 expand

Cognitive problems, like memory loss, are common after brain injuries like trauma or stroke. These problems make daily life harder, and the investigators don't yet know the best ways to help the brain recover. Scientists think that a process in the brain called long-term potentiation (LTP) is important for memory and learning. When LTP isn't working properly, it may cause problems with thinking and memory. But studying LTP in people is hard because it happens deep inside the brain. Our research uses a treatment called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to better understand LTP. ECT is a treatment for severe depression that works by causing a controlled seizure in the brain. While ECT often helps depression, it can temporarily cause memory and thinking problems, which usually improve over time. This makes ECT a good way to study how thinking and memory recover. The investigators will use a tool called electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity during different stages of ECT treatment. EEG is a safe and non-invasive way to track changes in LTP. Specifically, the investigators will measure how the brain responds to visual signals using something called visual evoked potentials (VEPs). These signals can show how LTP is affected by ECT. The study's main goal is to track changes in LTP using VEPs during and after ECT. By studying these changes, the investigators hope to learn how ECT affects the brain and how it recovers. This could help improve treatments for brain injuries and other conditions that cause memory and thinking problems.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2025

open study

Acceptability & Safety of Two Sequential Doses of Psilocybin in Bipolar Disorder II Depression
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Bipolar II Disorder Depression, Bipolar Suicidality
The purpose of the study is to assess the safety and acceptability of up to two sequential administrations of 25 mg psilocybin with additional therapeutic support in decreasing suicidality in patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD II) depression. expand

The purpose of the study is to assess the safety and acceptability of up to two sequential administrations of 25 mg psilocybin with additional therapeutic support in decreasing suicidality in patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD II) depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2025

open study

The Nuestros Días ("Our Days") Study
University of Alabama at Birmingham Caregiver Burden Well-Being, Psychological Stress, Psychological Depression Anxiety
The goal of this observational study is to understand how contextual, individual-level, and cultural factors influence the daily and long-term well-being of caregivers of relatives with memory problems or dementia. The study focuses on caregivers from the Hispanic and Latino community. The main que1 expand

The goal of this observational study is to understand how contextual, individual-level, and cultural factors influence the daily and long-term well-being of caregivers of relatives with memory problems or dementia. The study focuses on caregivers from the Hispanic and Latino community. The main questions it aims to answer are: - What daily factors increase (i.e., risk factors) or decrease (i.e., protective factors) the daily odds of depression and anxiety symptoms reported by caregivers? - How do these symptoms vary over time? - Do variations in depression and anxiety symptoms predict distal health outcomes? Participants will: - Complete an online baseline survey to understand their caregiving situation. - Fill out daily surveys online for three weeks about their caregiving experiences and well-being. - Complete two follow-up surveys, along with daily surveys, six and twelve months after the baseline survey. All the study information and surveys can be completed in English or Spanish based on the participant's preference.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Mar 2023

open study