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.


868 matching studies

Sponsor Condition of Interest
Social Support and Enhanced Fear Extinction
University of California, Los Angeles Fear Anxiety
University of California, Los Angeles researchers will recruit healthy participants and anxious participants (those diagnosed with social anxiety disorder) age 18-55 years old to participate in a study examining whether the ability of social support figure reminders to enhance the extinction of fea1 expand

University of California, Los Angeles researchers will recruit healthy participants and anxious participants (those diagnosed with social anxiety disorder) age 18-55 years old to participate in a study examining whether the ability of social support figure reminders to enhance the extinction of fear in healthy participants extends to those with anxiety disorders. After being recruited from the UCLA community (healthy participants, n = 50) or referred by treatment providers at the Anxiety and Depression Research Center at UCLA (anxious participants, n = 50) and undergoing a telephone screening and in-person screening, 100 participants will be enrolled in the study, with an expected recruited 150 to reach this number. During the experiment, all participants will undergo the same procedures: undergoing a fear extinction procedure in which threatening cues--cues that predict electric shock--will be paired with either an image of a social support figure (provided by participants) or an image of a smiling stranger. These pairings will be presented repeatedly in the absence of shock in order for fear extinction to occur. Participants will return for a follow-up test to determine if fear extinction was successful.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2022

open study

Ketamine-enhanced Prolonged Exposure Therapy in PTSD
VA Office of Research and Development PTSD
The purpose of this study is to test the safety and efficacy of repeated doses of ketamine as compared to placebo to reduce symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Veteran receiving Prolonged Exposure Therapy. expand

The purpose of this study is to test the safety and efficacy of repeated doses of ketamine as compared to placebo to reduce symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Veteran receiving Prolonged Exposure Therapy.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2021

open study

Taking Action for College Students
Temple University Major Depressive Disorder Bipolar Disorder Schizophrenia
The goal of this research is to investigate whether a peer-delivered illness self-management program called Taking Action can help college students with serious mental illnesses. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental condition (Taking Action) or the control condition (in1 expand

The goal of this research is to investigate whether a peer-delivered illness self-management program called Taking Action can help college students with serious mental illnesses. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental condition (Taking Action) or the control condition (information only). Participants in the experimental condition will attend five 2.5-hour Taking Action sessions. Participants will complete three interviews (baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up) to assess how well the program works, is liked, and benefits students clinically and academically. The investigators seek to test the following hypotheses: Compared to controls, students who do the Taking Action program will report greater improvements in mental health self-management attitudes, skills, and behaviors and will report greater improvements in mental health symptoms and recovery, and better academic outcomes.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2024

open study

Focused Ultrasound for the Complex Patient
Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center Opioid Use Disorder Chronic Back Pain Anxiety
The goal of this clinical trial is to to inhibit the anterior insula (AI) with low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to determine the causal role for the AI in pain processing, anxiety, and opiate cue-induced craving. The main question[s] it aims to answer are: - the safety and tolerability o1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to to inhibit the anterior insula (AI) with low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to determine the causal role for the AI in pain processing, anxiety, and opiate cue-induced craving. The main question[s] it aims to answer are: - the safety and tolerability of LIFU delivered bilaterally to AI compared to sham stimulation in individuals with opiate use disorder (OUD), anxiety, and chronic back pain - the effects of LIFU vs sham on measures of pain processing, anxiety symptoms, and opiate cue-induced craving Participants will undergo anatomical MRI, neurological assessment, clinical assessment and patient query to assess the safety and tolerability of LIFU vs sham.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2024

open study

Personalized DBS for OCD Guided by Stereoencephalography Mapping
Andrew Moses Lee, MD, PhD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD
This is a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study design for SEEG-guided 4-lead DBS for treatment-refractory OCD, followed by open label stimulation for an additional 6 months. The study will be conducted in 3 stages: Stage 1 will consist of SEEG brain mapping and optimization of stimulation pa1 expand

This is a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study design for SEEG-guided 4-lead DBS for treatment-refractory OCD, followed by open label stimulation for an additional 6 months. The study will be conducted in 3 stages: Stage 1 will consist of SEEG brain mapping and optimization of stimulation parameters. Stage 2 will consist of 4-lead DBS surgery with bilateral IPGs and further optimization of stimulation parameters. Stage 3 will be randomized, crossover treatment, followed by open label treatment.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2024

open study

Cold and Heat Investigation to Lower Levels of Depression
Vail Health Behavioral Health Depression Mood Disorders
This study will recruit 112 medically healthy adults (aged 18-65) currently experiencing depressive symptoms to be randomized to receive either a single Whole Body Hyperthermia (heat therapy) treatment or a Whole Body Hyperthermia treatment followed by a cold water plunge. Participants will complet1 expand

This study will recruit 112 medically healthy adults (aged 18-65) currently experiencing depressive symptoms to be randomized to receive either a single Whole Body Hyperthermia (heat therapy) treatment or a Whole Body Hyperthermia treatment followed by a cold water plunge. Participants will complete a baseline assessment of their depressive symptoms as well as 1-week and 2-week post-treatment followup assessments.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2024

open study

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as an Adjunctive Treatment for Treatment Resistant D1
Mayo Clinic Treatment Resistant Depression
The researchers are trying to test the feasibility and acceptability of using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in hospitalized adult patients with Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), assess for any preliminary effect on depressive and cognitive symptoms, and explore the utility of b1 expand

The researchers are trying to test the feasibility and acceptability of using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in hospitalized adult patients with Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), assess for any preliminary effect on depressive and cognitive symptoms, and explore the utility of biomarkers to assess response to tDCS.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2024

open study

Promoting Resilience in Early Survivorship Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Stress Anxiety
The goal of this study is to find the best way to help participants and families manage the stress of facing a serious illness and be better able to "bounce back" or be resilient after a difficult situation. Participants will take part in the "Promoting Resilience in Stress Management" PRISM progra1 expand

The goal of this study is to find the best way to help participants and families manage the stress of facing a serious illness and be better able to "bounce back" or be resilient after a difficult situation. Participants will take part in the "Promoting Resilience in Stress Management" PRISM program, which is designed to provide skills to change or improve the impact of stress in everyday life. The name of the intervention used in this research study is: -PRISM (a mobile app program comprised of 6 sessions of skills-based, manualized resilience education)

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2023

open study

Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Two Administrations of COMP360 in Participants With TRD
COMPASS Pathways Treatment Resistant Depression
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of two administrations of COMP360 in participants with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) expand

Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of two administrations of COMP360 in participants with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2023

open study

Mechanisms of Depression and Anhedonia in Adolescents: Linking Sleep to Reward- and Stress-Related1
University of Oregon Depression in Adolescence
This research will use biobehavioral approaches to generate understanding about the linkages between sleep duration and timing, stressful life events, and depressive symptoms in adolescents, with a long-term aim of developing effective preventative interventions. expand

This research will use biobehavioral approaches to generate understanding about the linkages between sleep duration and timing, stressful life events, and depressive symptoms in adolescents, with a long-term aim of developing effective preventative interventions.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2023

open study

Methylphenidate for Ptsd and Stroke Veterans
VA Office of Research and Development PTSD Stroke
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk of developing ischemic stroke. Veterans enduring PTSD face difficulties in managing their PTSD severity after suffering from a stroke. Currently, clinical trials in PTSD exclude patients with stroke and patients with signifi1 expand

Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk of developing ischemic stroke. Veterans enduring PTSD face difficulties in managing their PTSD severity after suffering from a stroke. Currently, clinical trials in PTSD exclude patients with stroke and patients with significant premorbid psychological conditions like PTSD are usually excluded from stroke clinical trials. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a central nervous system stimulant that can improve PTSD symptoms: avoidance behaviors, social withdrawal, hyperarousal, and working memory. MPH can also improve post-stroke outcomes: mood, activities of daily living, and motor functioning. In clinical trials for PTSD or stroke, MPH has been shown to be well-tolerated with minimal adverse events. The high prevalence of PTSD in Veterans with stroke provides strong justification for development of interventions that effectively and simultaneously target both conditions. The overarching goal of our proposal is to understand how MPH improves PTSD severity in Veterans with comorbid stroke.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2022

open study

Compassion Meditation vs. Health Education for Veterans
VA Office of Research and Development Chronic Pain Stress Disorders, Posttraumatic Depression
Chronic pain (CP) is a major health problem for military Veterans, and CP is often associated with comorbid mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. CP with psychological comorbidity is associated with increased healthcare costs, medication use, risk of1 expand

Chronic pain (CP) is a major health problem for military Veterans, and CP is often associated with comorbid mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. CP with psychological comorbidity is associated with increased healthcare costs, medication use, risk of suicide and rates of disability and reduced quality of life. Current empirically supported treatments do not always lead to substantial improvements (up to 50% of patients drop out or are do not respond to treatment). This project was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel intervention for addressing these challenges. Compassion meditation (CM), a meditative practice that focuses on the wish to remove suffering, is a contemplative practice that has promise for the amelioration of physical and mental health problems as well as promoting positive affect and improving quality of life. This study will evaluate the efficacy of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training for Chronic Pain with Psychological Comorbidity (CBCT-CP+) compared to Health Education while Living with Pain (H.E.L.P.) control condition, in a sample of among Veterans with CP conditions and psychological comorbidity.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2022

open study

Neuromodulation for Enhancement of Emotion Regulation in Bipolar Mood Disorders
Massachusetts General Hospital Bipolar Disorder
The investigators are conducting this research study to better understand how individuals with bipolar disorder regulate their emotions, and if transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help improve emotion regulation for individuals with bipolar mood disorders. expand

The investigators are conducting this research study to better understand how individuals with bipolar disorder regulate their emotions, and if transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help improve emotion regulation for individuals with bipolar mood disorders.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2021

open study

PCS in Severe Treatment Resistant Depression
University of Minnesota Treatment Resistant Depression
This research study is designed to test if electrical stimulation of the surface of the brain in the frontal region will help treat depressive symptoms. Participants receive intermittent electrical stimulation to the brain, which involves surgically placing electric leads in between the tough fibro1 expand

This research study is designed to test if electrical stimulation of the surface of the brain in the frontal region will help treat depressive symptoms. Participants receive intermittent electrical stimulation to the brain, which involves surgically placing electric leads in between the tough fibrous membrane covering the surface of the brain and the surface of the brain itself. This type of stimulation is referred to as bilateral subdural prefrontal cortical stimulation (PCS) because it will specifically target the outer layer of the brain at the midline, right behind the forehead. It uses a pacemaker-like device, the Proclaim Elite SCS System (non-rechargeable) or the Eterna SCS System (rechargeable), both by Abbott Laboratories for stimulation. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Proclaim Elite SCS system for brain stimulation for patients with chronic pain and muscular diseases, such as Parkinson's, its use is still investigational, and the surgery is still experimental for patients who have depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2021

open study

Brain Stimulation and Decision-making
Emory University Depression
Decision-making is an important process that is frequently shown to be impaired in patients with depression. While a number of preclinical and clinical studies have identified key regions involved in this process, it remains unclear exactly how these regions are influencing choice behavior especial1 expand

Decision-making is an important process that is frequently shown to be impaired in patients with depression. While a number of preclinical and clinical studies have identified key regions involved in this process, it remains unclear exactly how these regions are influencing choice behavior especially when choices become more challenging. The goal of this project is to understand how these regions, such as the cingulate cortex, impact difficult choice behavior. Specifically, the researchers are interested in learning how disruptions in cognitive control might impact choice preferences during difficult decisions in depressed patients. To do this, this study will recruit participants with depression (as well as healthy controls) to perform game-like tasks in the laboratory while undergoing TMS or TI.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2019

open study

Development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques for Studying Mood and Anxiety Disorders
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Mood Disorders Anxiety Disorders
This study is intended to help develop new MRI imaging techniques for studying mood and anxiety disorders. Researchers believe that depression and anxiety disorders may cause structural and functional changes in the brain. This study will optimize the way MRI scans are collected to look at brain st1 expand

This study is intended to help develop new MRI imaging techniques for studying mood and anxiety disorders. Researchers believe that depression and anxiety disorders may cause structural and functional changes in the brain. This study will optimize the way MRI scans are collected to look at brain structure and examine how the brain behaves while subjects perform particular tasks. Healthy volunteers and individuals with major depressive disorder may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing. : Individuals will be asked to participate in an MRI study on one of several scanners. The scanner used will measure blood flow in the brain, concentrations of certain chemicals in the brain, or magnetic properties of the brain. The scan may involve They watching a screen presenting images or doing a task in which they respond to pictures or sounds. Participants may be asked to return for additional scans. The study also involves neuropsychological tests, which assess cognitive performance. Often, people with mood disorders have subtle changes in performance on these tests that allow researchers to pinpoint where brain abnormalities occur. Before the tests can be used in patients, they must be validated by using healthy subjects. These tests are presented either orally, in written form, or on a computer....

Type: Observational

Start Date: Dec 2006

open study

ALTO-100 in Bipolar Disorder with Depression (BD-D)
Alto Neuroscience Bipolar Disorder I or II with a Major Depressive Episode
The purpose of this study is to assess antidepressant efficacy differences between ALTO-100 and placebo during the Double-Blind period in patients with bipolar disorder I or II with current major depressive episode, when used adjunctively to a mood stabilizer, related to patient characteristics. Ad1 expand

The purpose of this study is to assess antidepressant efficacy differences between ALTO-100 and placebo during the Double-Blind period in patients with bipolar disorder I or II with current major depressive episode, when used adjunctively to a mood stabilizer, related to patient characteristics. Additionally, safety, tolerability, and efficacy will be assessed in a subsequent open label treatment period.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

Cognitive Control Training for Extinction in PTSD
VA Office of Research and Development Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Stress Disorders, Traumatic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
The proposed study will test whether a working memory training (WMT) program improves fear extinction learning and its underlying neural circuitry in Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). WMT is designed to improves the ability to maintain task-relevant information in mind. The projec1 expand

The proposed study will test whether a working memory training (WMT) program improves fear extinction learning and its underlying neural circuitry in Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). WMT is designed to improves the ability to maintain task-relevant information in mind. The project will further validate the relationship between working memory and fear extinction using novel computational and multivariate analyses that link to specific PTSD symptoms. If WMT can enhance fear extinction learning, then WMT may be a powerful adjunctive treatment that can enhance exposure therapy outcomes or be leveraged as a stand-alone treatment. This project supports the Department of Veteran Affairs mission of developing viable targets of treatment for Veterans with PTSD.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

SAINT for MDD in an Inpatient Setting Follow-on
Magnus Medical Major Depressive Disorder Major Depressive Episode Suicidal Ideation
Randomized, multi-site, sham-controlled, double-blinded study expand

Randomized, multi-site, sham-controlled, double-blinded study

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2024

open study

RE104 Safety and Efficacy Study in Postpartum Depression
Reunion Neuroscience Inc Postpartum Depression
The purpose of this study is to determine if treatment with a single dose of RE104 for Injection reduces depressive symptoms in participants with moderate-to-severe postpartum depression (PPD) as compared to active-placebo. expand

The purpose of this study is to determine if treatment with a single dose of RE104 for Injection reduces depressive symptoms in participants with moderate-to-severe postpartum depression (PPD) as compared to active-placebo.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2024

open study

Cognitive Behavioral and Faith Fellowship to Improve Thy Health
University of Wisconsin, Madison Depression
Investigators will examine the efficacy of a faith-based depression intervention, in reducing symptoms of depression among African American adults in Wisconsin. Twelve church groups, each with 10 people (N=120) will be invited to participate. This intervention will be the first evidence-based, fait1 expand

Investigators will examine the efficacy of a faith-based depression intervention, in reducing symptoms of depression among African American adults in Wisconsin. Twelve church groups, each with 10 people (N=120) will be invited to participate. This intervention will be the first evidence-based, faith-based intervention designed for African Americans if validated.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

Preventing the Development of Chronic Pain: Treating PTSD at Acute Pain Onset
Rush University Medical Center PTSD Chronic Pain
Although most people recover from acute pain (such as pain caused by injury, surgery, repetitive motion, or unknown causes), many people do not fully recover and will experience chronic pain. Untreated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appears to be a key risk factor for the transition from acut1 expand

Although most people recover from acute pain (such as pain caused by injury, surgery, repetitive motion, or unknown causes), many people do not fully recover and will experience chronic pain. Untreated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appears to be a key risk factor for the transition from acute pain to chronic pain. However, few published studies have addressed the issue of preventing the transition from acute to chronic pain via PTSD reduction. This project will aim to test whether trauma-related PTSD symptoms can be reduced using either Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and whether reducing PTSD symptoms can prevent the transition from non-injury based acute pain to chronic pain.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2023

open study

Exploring Virtual Reality Adventure Training Exergaming
The University of Texas at Arlington Physical Activity Sedentary Behavior Depression Cognitive Function Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The current project aims to design and implement an 8-week Virtual Reality Adventure Therapy Exergaming (V-RATE) intervention focused on women veterans. A randomized controlled trial using a repeated measure design with a 1-month follow-up assessment will be employed to examine effects on physical1 expand

The current project aims to design and implement an 8-week Virtual Reality Adventure Therapy Exergaming (V-RATE) intervention focused on women veterans. A randomized controlled trial using a repeated measure design with a 1-month follow-up assessment will be employed to examine effects on physical and mental health outcomes.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2022

open study

Trial of Centanafadine Efficacy and Safety as Monotherapy or as Adjunct to SSRI in Adults With Majo1
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. Major Depressive Disorder
This is a phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of centanafadine once-daily (QD) extended-release (XR) capsules for the treatment of adult subjects diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The1 expand

This is a phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of centanafadine once-daily (QD) extended-release (XR) capsules for the treatment of adult subjects diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of centanafadine QD XR capsules as monotherapy or as adjunct to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), escitalopram.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2022

open study

Digital Single Session Intervention for Youth Mental Health
Harvard University Anxiety Depression Conduct Disorder Stress
The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of a single-session, digital intervention teaching the principle of practicing the opposite, when administered to youths on the waitlist for psychotherapy, with usual waitlist procedures as a control condition. expand

The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of a single-session, digital intervention teaching the principle of practicing the opposite, when administered to youths on the waitlist for psychotherapy, with usual waitlist procedures as a control condition.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2022

open study