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.


835 matching studies

Sponsor Condition of Interest
A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive KarXT for the Treatment of Mania, With or1
Bristol-Myers Squibb Mania Bipolar Disorder
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive KarXT for the treatment of mania in participants with Bipolar-I Disorder. expand

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive KarXT for the treatment of mania in participants with Bipolar-I Disorder.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2025

open study

E-Mindfulness Approaches for Living After Breast Cancer
NRG Oncology Breast Cancer Depression
NRG-CC015 is a prospective, randomized phase III clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of two distinct digital approaches for delivering a mindfulness-based intervention: a live, instructor-led version delivered over Zoom (MAPs LO), and an app-based, self-paced version (MAPs App). Participants wi1 expand

NRG-CC015 is a prospective, randomized phase III clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of two distinct digital approaches for delivering a mindfulness-based intervention: a live, instructor-led version delivered over Zoom (MAPs LO), and an app-based, self-paced version (MAPs App). Participants will include younger breast cancer survivors (BCS) who were diagnosed with breast cancer at or before age 50 years, have completed their primary cancer treatment (i.e., surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy) at least 6 months earlier, and report elevated depressive symptoms.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

Evaluation of the Genetics of Bipolar Disorder
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Bipolar Disorder
This study looks to identify genes that may affect a person's chances of developing bipolar disorder (BP) and related conditions. expand

This study looks to identify genes that may affect a person's chances of developing bipolar disorder (BP) and related conditions.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 1994

open study

VR-PMR for Post-Burn Symptoms
Johns Hopkins University Burn Chronic Pain Following Thermal Burn Injury Non-Pharmacological Interventions Virtual Reality Sleep Disturbance
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), delivered either alone or enhanced with virtual reality (VR), can help treat chronic symptom, such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, in adult burn survivors. The main questions it aims t1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), delivered either alone or enhanced with virtual reality (VR), can help treat chronic symptom, such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, in adult burn survivors. The main questions it aims to answer are: - Does VR-enhanced PMR (VR-PMR) reduce chronic pain, anxiety, itch, sleep disturbances, and fatigue more effectively than standard PMR? - Is VR-PMR a feasible and acceptable self-administered home-based intervention for burn survivors? Researchers will compare two self-administered intervention conditions, VR-enhanced PMR and standard PMR, using a randomized to sequence crossover design to see if VR technology enhances the therapeutic effects of PMR on chronic symptom management in burn survivors. Participants will: - Complete home-based sessions of VR-enhanced PMR - Complete home-based sessions of standard PMR - Report symptoms such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue throughout the study - Use VR equipment provided for the intervention period (during the VR-PMR arm)

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2026

open study

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of ENX-102 in Participants With Social Anxiety Disorder
Engrail Therapeutics INC Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
This is a double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ENX-102 in participants with social anxiety disorder (SAD). expand

This is a double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ENX-102 in participants with social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2025

open study

Adaptive Decision-making And Personalized Treatment for PTSD (ADAPT-PTSD)
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
By doing this research project, the investigators hope to learn which strategies work best to help veterans who are not benefiting from their first PTSD treatment or not completing between-session homework assignments regularly that might improve treatment response. The investigators also want to l1 expand

By doing this research project, the investigators hope to learn which strategies work best to help veterans who are not benefiting from their first PTSD treatment or not completing between-session homework assignments regularly that might improve treatment response. The investigators also want to learn how best to match the right type and amount of treatment to each individual veteran. By conducting this research project, they hope to: - See if trying a different treatment strategy for veterans not responding to their first PTSD treatment would be more helpful - See if sending text message prompts between sessions encourages more completion of between-session homework

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2025

open study

LIFU Mechanisms for PTSD in Healthcare Workers
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc. PTSD and Trauma-related Symptoms
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) of the ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) can normalize dysfunctional brain activation patterns and behaviors in frontline healthcare workers with post-traumatic stress disorder. The main questions1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) of the ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) can normalize dysfunctional brain activation patterns and behaviors in frontline healthcare workers with post-traumatic stress disorder. The main questions it aims to answer are: - Does LIFU of the vACC effect activity and connectivity of the vACC and amygdala? - Does LIFU of the vACC reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms? Researchers will compare LIFU to sham modulation to see if LIFU modulates activity of vACC-amygdala circuitry and affects threat sensitivity and emotion regulation. Participants will: - Complete two fMRI sessions (before and after LIFU) - Receive a single session of LIFU or sham modulation of the vACC - Wear a wearable device that tracks sleep and heart rate metrics

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2025

open study

Physical Capacity Building for Chronic Stroke
Medical University of South Carolina Stroke Post-stroke Depression
Cardiac rehabilitation is the standard-of-care treatment option for patients with cardiovascular disease and has been shown to improve many aspects critical to patient recovery. Investigators believe that individuals who have had a stroke need to be treated similarly. Investigators will study the e1 expand

Cardiac rehabilitation is the standard-of-care treatment option for patients with cardiovascular disease and has been shown to improve many aspects critical to patient recovery. Investigators believe that individuals who have had a stroke need to be treated similarly. Investigators will study the effects of a comprehensive modified cardiac rehabilitation program to determine if it can improve some of the physical and psychosocial problems common in survivors of stroke with and without depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2025

open study

Personalized Accelerated TMS for High-Risk Adolescent Depression
University of California, Davis Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Suicidal Ideation
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a fast-acting brain stimulation treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help people with depression and suicidal thoughts. The treatment is non-invasive (does not involve surgery or medications), is given over 5 days, and uses brai1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a fast-acting brain stimulation treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help people with depression and suicidal thoughts. The treatment is non-invasive (does not involve surgery or medications), is given over 5 days, and uses brain imaging (MRI) to guide which part of the brain to target. This study tests whether this treatment is a helpful and practical option for adolescents and young adults who are depressed and have suicidal thoughts. We want to see if: 1. This treatment is feasible and acceptable to patients 2. It can reduce depression and suicidal thoughts 3. It can lower the chance of going to the hospital 4. It affects daily functioning (school, work, relationships) All participants will undergo 5-days of TMS treatment and complete MRI brain scans before and after treatment. They will return for check-ups after 1 week and 4 weeks.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2025

open study

Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) for Treating Pediatric Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
University of Rochester PTSD Trauma Pediatric ALL
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the extent to which different treatment components work to improve pediatric post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It will also provide evidence for how these components work. The main research questions are: What are the effects of different components1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the extent to which different treatment components work to improve pediatric post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It will also provide evidence for how these components work. The main research questions are: What are the effects of different components used to treat PTSD? What do these components change to produce benefits in PTSD? Researchers will: Compare components to a psychological placebo to estimate their effects and measure how they work Examine how components work alone and in conjunction with other components Participants will: Receive different combinations of components and placebo Attend weekly treatment sessions Provide information to evaluate changes in PTSD

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2026

open study

Study to Assess Adverse Events and Change in Disease Activity When Oral ABBV-932 is Added to Antide1
AbbVie Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is usually treated with antidepressant therapy (ADT); however, sometimes ADTs alone are not enough to adequately treat GAD. The purpose of this study is to assess how safe and effective ABBV-932 is when added to the antidepressant therapies in adult participants w1 expand

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is usually treated with antidepressant therapy (ADT); however, sometimes ADTs alone are not enough to adequately treat GAD. The purpose of this study is to assess how safe and effective ABBV-932 is when added to the antidepressant therapies in adult participants with GAD who have had an inadequate response ADTs. ABBV-932 is an investigational drug being developed for the adjunctive treatment of GAD. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive ABBV-932 or Placebo in addition to their currently prescribed ADTs. There is 1 in 3 chance of participants assigned to Placebo. Approximately 315 adult participants with GAD and inadequate response to ADTs will be enrolled in approximately 50 sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. Participants will receive oral capsules of ABBV-932 or matching placebo in addition to their prescribed ADT for 6 weeks and then will be followed for an additional 4 week follow-up period. There may be higher treatment burden for participants in this trial compared to their standard of care. Participants will attend regular visits during the study at a hospital or clinic. The effect of the treatment will be checked by medical assessments, blood tests, checking for side effects and completing questionnaires.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2025

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

Neuroscience of Psychotherapy for Depression
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Depression
The goal of this study is to learn the extent to which client-therapist brain activity may synchronize during a psychosocial intervention for depression symptoms. The study will compare behavioral activation, a client-centered type of cognitive-behavioral therapy, to psychoeducation which delivers1 expand

The goal of this study is to learn the extent to which client-therapist brain activity may synchronize during a psychosocial intervention for depression symptoms. The study will compare behavioral activation, a client-centered type of cognitive-behavioral therapy, to psychoeducation which delivers information on strategies to recover from depression symptoms. Participants will answer questions about their mental and physical health, attend one psychosocial intervention session receiving either Behavioral Activation or Psychoeducation with simultaneous brain activity measurement and complete follow up surveys two weeks and one month following the intervention.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2025

open study

A Study to Explore the Effect of SP-624 on Brain Network Analytics in Healthy Adults and Adults Wit1
Sirtsei Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Major Depressive Disorder Depression Healthy
The main goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the active study drug (code name: SP-624) has any effect on the electrical activity of the brain in adult healthy volunteers and in adults with major depression. Another goal of the study is to learn if SP-624 improves memory and learning in adult1 expand

The main goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the active study drug (code name: SP-624) has any effect on the electrical activity of the brain in adult healthy volunteers and in adults with major depression. Another goal of the study is to learn if SP-624 improves memory and learning in adults with major depression. The study will also provide additional information on the safety of SP-624 and how well it is tolerated in adult healthy volunteers and adults with major depression. Researchers will compare SP-624 to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if SP-624 has any effect on study tests. Study participants will: Take capsules of study drug (SP-624 or a placebo) once daily for 2 weeks; visit the clinic at Screening, Day 1 (first dose of study drug), and Day 15 (last dose of study drug) for checkups and tests; and have phone call check-ups on Day 7 and about 1 week after the last dose of study drug.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2024

open study

Radiotherapy Patient Education With Virtual Reality
University of Miami Anxiety Cancer
The purpose of this research study is to investigate the impact of virtual reality experiences on individuals undergoing radiotherapy, aiming to assess whether this immersive technology can reduce anxiety and enhance patient overall treatment satisfaction. By comparing different virtual reality tec1 expand

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the impact of virtual reality experiences on individuals undergoing radiotherapy, aiming to assess whether this immersive technology can reduce anxiety and enhance patient overall treatment satisfaction. By comparing different virtual reality techniques and a standard informational video, the study seeks to identify optimal strategies for leveraging virtual reality to improve the patient experience during radiotherapy.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2024

open study

RESEARCH EVALUATING VAGAL EXCITATION AND ANATOMICAL LINKS
University of Minnesota Epilepsy Depressive Disorder
The acute and chronic effects of VNS stimulation on various on the autonomic nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic systems will be compared from noninvasive and minimally invasive physiological recordings and blood draws at various time points throughout the study. These interventions and1 expand

The acute and chronic effects of VNS stimulation on various on the autonomic nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic systems will be compared from noninvasive and minimally invasive physiological recordings and blood draws at various time points throughout the study. These interventions and assessments will be performed in individuals 18 years of age and older who are implanted with a VNS device, which consists of patients who have been diagnosed with drug resistant epilepsy or major depressive disorder. The REVEAL study is not a treatment study; its primary objective is to scientifically investigate the contributing roles of efferent versus afferent vagus nerve modulation of multiple peripheral organs and their dependence on stimulation parameters, in which participants are those who have been implanted with a VNS device be receive standard of care treatment for their epilepsy or depressive disorder.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2023

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

Evaluating Treatments for Suicidal Veterans With PTSD
VA Office of Research and Development Self-directed Violence Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant driver of suicide risk among Veterans, but there is a critical knowledge gap about how to treat PTSD among people at elevated risk for suicide. Although evidence-based treatments for PTSD reduce suicide risk, Veterans at high risk for suicidal b1 expand

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant driver of suicide risk among Veterans, but there is a critical knowledge gap about how to treat PTSD among people at elevated risk for suicide. Although evidence-based treatments for PTSD reduce suicide risk, Veterans at high risk for suicidal behavior rarely receive these potentially life-saving treatments. Prior research suggests that a treatment that combines Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol (DBT PE) for PTSD improves both PTSD and suicide-related outcomes. This study will evaluate whether DBT + DBT PE improves these outcomes more than Prolonged Exposure plus suicide risk management, the gold standard VA care for this population. The proposed study will also examine factors that make it easier and harder to implement these treatments in VA settings. The results will help to inform treatment guidelines for this high-priority Veteran population.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2024

open study

Pharmaco-Neuroimaging Studies of Approach/Avoidance Behaviors and Post-Mortem Studies: Pharmacologi1
Mclean Hospital Depressive Disorder, Major Anxiety Disorder
The study will investigate whether a nociceptin receptor antagonist will normalize neural and behavioral processes of approach/avoidance decision-making in unmedicated individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. More specifically, the study aims to investigate dysregulat1 expand

The study will investigate whether a nociceptin receptor antagonist will normalize neural and behavioral processes of approach/avoidance decision-making in unmedicated individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. More specifically, the study aims to investigate dysregulation within (1) corticostriatal-midbrain circuitry and (2) nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide and the nociceptin receptor (NOPR).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2025

open study

Early Life Stress and Depression: Molecular and Functional Imaging
Mclean Hospital Depression Trauma, Psychological
Severe childhood adversity accounts for a large portion of psychiatric illness, and an increased risk for major depressive disorder (MDD). For some individuals, childhood adversity has negative psychological and medical consequences; others preserve mental and physical health despite such experienc1 expand

Severe childhood adversity accounts for a large portion of psychiatric illness, and an increased risk for major depressive disorder (MDD). For some individuals, childhood adversity has negative psychological and medical consequences; others preserve mental and physical health despite such experiences (they are resilient). In spite of this, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms related to childhood adversity, especially oxidative stress abnormalities in the brain. To fill this gap, this study combines functional, structural, and molecular imaging approaches to examine the role of oxidative stress abnormalities related to childhood adversity.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Feb 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

PTSD Treatment for Incarcerated Men and Women: AV
University of Wisconsin, Madison PTSD
This research will help identify if a PTSD treatment group, called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), that is used in community settings is helpful in reducing PTSD symptoms among people who are incarcerated. The goal of CPT is to create a space for people to modify unhelpful beliefs related to tr1 expand

This research will help identify if a PTSD treatment group, called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), that is used in community settings is helpful in reducing PTSD symptoms among people who are incarcerated. The goal of CPT is to create a space for people to modify unhelpful beliefs related to trauma. A total of 692 participants will be enrolled from 6 locations and can expects to be on study for up to 24 weeks.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2025

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