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.


845 matching studies

Sponsor Condition of Interest
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

Hybrid Type 1 Randomized Pilot Trial of a Peer-led Family and Social Strengthening Group Interventi1
University of Illinois at Chicago Depression Anxiety PTSD Family Dynamics Social Functioning
The proposed study draws on prior research to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and explore preliminary effectiveness of Coffee and Family Education and Support, Version (CAFES2) using a pilot randomized type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design. CAFES2 is a peer-led family and social1 expand

The proposed study draws on prior research to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and explore preliminary effectiveness of Coffee and Family Education and Support, Version (CAFES2) using a pilot randomized type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design. CAFES2 is a peer-led family and social strengthening multiple family group intervention that is designed to respond to multi-level needs of refugee families. Results of the trial will contribute to the emerging evidence base on family-based mental health interventions for refugee and newcomer communities. The trial will also generate new insights regarding implementation strategies needed to promote successful delivery of services by peer providers and the unique role of human-centered design practices for adaptation of mental health and psychosocial interventions.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2024

open study

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depressed People With Spinal Cord Injuries
University of South Florida Depression Spinal Cord Injuries
Living with spinal cord injury (SCI) can have a significant negative impact on an individual's mental health and restrict participation in personally valued activities and roles. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that can lessen symptoms of mental health disorder1 expand

Living with spinal cord injury (SCI) can have a significant negative impact on an individual's mental health and restrict participation in personally valued activities and roles. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that can lessen symptoms of mental health disorders (e.g., depressive symptoms) and improve quality of life through mindfulness and acceptance processes and behavior change processes for valued living. Evidence for ACT for individuals living with SCI, however, is limited to a very few studies that involved in-person group-based ACT and did not focus on depressed individuals with SCI. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of an 8-week videoconferencing ACT program on improving mental health outcomes in depressed individuals living with SCI. The primary hypotheses are that the ACT group will show improvements in depressive symptoms at posttest and 2-month follow-up compared to the wait-list control group. Investigators will invite 120 individuals living with SCI and reporting depressive symptoms and randomly assign them to either the ACT group or the wait-list control group. The ACT group will receive eight weekly individual ACT sessions guided by a coach through videoconferencing with a booster session at 1-month follow-up. The wait-list control group will continue his or her own care as usual during the study period and have the option to receive eight individual ACT sessions after study participation ends. Data will be collected at pretest, posttest, and 2-month follow-up and compared between the ACT group and the control group over time. About 40% of individuals living with SCI report depressive symptoms and other mental health symptoms, and mental health disorders following SCI are associated with negative long-term outcomes. Managing uncomfortable or painful thoughts and emotions arising from functional limitations and accepting changed lives while moving forward for valued living through ACT skill practice will help individuals with SCI alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, promote engagement in personally valued activities, and improve quality of life.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2024

open study

Targeting Specific Brain Networks to Treat Specific Symptoms in Depression
Massachusetts General Hospital Major Depressive Disorder
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a way of non-invasively stimulating specific brain networks and is an established treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This proposal will reveal network mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of rTMS by investigating how stimulating ea1 expand

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a way of non-invasively stimulating specific brain networks and is an established treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This proposal will reveal network mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of rTMS by investigating how stimulating each network specifically changes network connectivity and behavior. This will be done in a highly individualized manner in depressed and healthy patients, leading to more effective and more individualized treatments for depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2024

open study

To Improve Depressive Symptoms Using a Web-App
University of Texas at Austin Depression
This study is being done to answer a question on whether a Web App-based Lifestyle Physical Activity Promotion Program is effective in improving depressive symptom experience of midlife Korean American women (WPAPP-K). expand

This study is being done to answer a question on whether a Web App-based Lifestyle Physical Activity Promotion Program is effective in improving depressive symptom experience of midlife Korean American women (WPAPP-K).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2022

open study

The Benefits of Natural Medicine, Vitamin IV Therapy and Supplements: Maintaining Good Health Throu1
Faith A. Richardson Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms Fibromyalgia Arthritis Chronic Pain Hypertension,Essential
Herbal Medicine is known as the medicinal use of herbal substances as a means of treating different conditions in the human body to ensure that the body remains in optimal health and wellness. These substances are known to contain very active ingredients in it and as such is also a very potent mean1 expand

Herbal Medicine is known as the medicinal use of herbal substances as a means of treating different conditions in the human body to ensure that the body remains in optimal health and wellness. These substances are known to contain very active ingredients in it and as such is also a very potent means of managing diseases and ailments in the body. Herbal medicine has always been a standby source of getting relief from various conditions over centuries, however, it can be categorically said that the mode of usage of these herbal substances has changed over time. Traditional healers help individuals to make meaning out of the natural herbs seen around that can be useful to one's health. Herbal medicine is the use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing. Herbs can interact with other pharmaceutical medications and should be taken with care. Always seek a regular medical doctor (GP) about any health concerns and tell them about any herbal medicines you are taking or thinking of taking. Never stop taking prescribed medications in favor of herbs without first discussing it with your GP.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Dec 2025

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

Evaluation of the PACE/PACENET BHL Clinical Program
University of Pennsylvania Depression Anxiety Pain, Chronic
The SUpporting Seniors Receiving Treatment And INtervention (SUSTAIN) program is a telephone-based clinical service designed to help identify and manage behavioral health issues among PACE/PACENET enrollees. The purpose of the current project is to a) explore moderators of treatment response among1 expand

The SUpporting Seniors Receiving Treatment And INtervention (SUSTAIN) program is a telephone-based clinical service designed to help identify and manage behavioral health issues among PACE/PACENET enrollees. The purpose of the current project is to a) explore moderators of treatment response among beneficiaries in the SUSTAIN Clinical Program and b) to evaluate the sustained clinical effects of the program.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Mar 2014

open study

Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Mental Health in Healthy Adults
Arizona State University Depression Mental Acuity
Spirulina platensis is a form of cyanobacteria, a blue-green algae, and is a superfood most known for being rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthful phytochemicals. Spirulina supports brain health through neuroprotection offered by its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and ho1 expand

Spirulina platensis is a form of cyanobacteria, a blue-green algae, and is a superfood most known for being rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthful phytochemicals. Spirulina supports brain health through neuroprotection offered by its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormone regulation. The aim of this study is to supplement healthy adults from a campus community with 3g of spirulina, daily, for 8 weeks to improve mood and mental acuity in comparison to receiving a placebo.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2025

open study

Potential Benefits of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
University of Florida Autonomic Dysregulation Anxiety Depression Parent-Child Relations
The goal of this study is to explore possible benefits of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). The main goals of the study are: - To investigate whether pre-survey measures of autonomic reactivity relate to the overall functioning of participants. - To examine the effects of PCIT T1 expand

The goal of this study is to explore possible benefits of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). The main goals of the study are: - To investigate whether pre-survey measures of autonomic reactivity relate to the overall functioning of participants. - To examine the effects of PCIT To identify individual characteristics that influence the effects of PCIT. Participants will: - complete 5 online surveys (1x pre-PCIT, 3x during PCIT, and 1x post-PCIT) - complete the PCIT program

Type: Observational

Start Date: Feb 2025

open study

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Refractory Depression Treatment Resistant Depression
The goal of this clinical trial is to test how well psilocybin-assisted therapy works in treating people with depression. The main questions this study aims to answer are: - Does psilocybin with assisted therapy help improve symptoms for people with depression? - How long do the effect1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to test how well psilocybin-assisted therapy works in treating people with depression. The main questions this study aims to answer are: - Does psilocybin with assisted therapy help improve symptoms for people with depression? - How long do the effects of this treatment last? Participants will: - Take part in a couple of screening and preparation visits. - Be given psilocybin in one or two treatment sessions. - Attend a series of follow-up sessions over the following year. - Complete forms and surveys to test how their symptoms have changed and what they thought of their experience. Researchers will also compare whether one treatment or two treatments help improve symptoms more for participants.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2024

open study

A Single Session Parenting Intervention for Children on a Outpatient Therapy Waitlist
Massachusetts General Hospital Anxiety Disorders
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for youth anxiety. However, up to 80% of youth with anxiety disorders do not access the services they need. Child CBT clinics nationwide have extremely long waits, on the order of 10-12 months. This leads to a vicious cycle, as children1 expand

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for youth anxiety. However, up to 80% of youth with anxiety disorders do not access the services they need. Child CBT clinics nationwide have extremely long waits, on the order of 10-12 months. This leads to a vicious cycle, as children waiting for care experience worsening symptoms and decreased motivation, so that by the time they access care, their needs are more intensive and the treatment lasts longer and it takes longer for new children to be able to be assigned. Recently, single-session interventions (SSIs) have been developed that enable children to access CBT skills. The proposed randomized trial will evaluate the effects of a brief, web-based, self-guided SSI designed to reduce parent accommodation of children's anxiety, a parenting behavior that has been shown to maintain and worsen child anxiety. The main aim of the study is to examine whether the SSI reduces parent accommodation. As a secondary aim, the investigators will explore whether the SSI reduces children's anxiety symptoms over the first 6 months of CBT. The investigators will recruit parents of children who are on the waitlist to receive outpatient CBT. Results may suggest a promising approach to intervene with parents and children waiting to receive therapy.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2023

open study

Geolocation Positional System (GPS) Experience
University of Miami Emotions Anhedonia Depression
The purpose of this study is to use smartphone technology to capture individual location emotional and cognitive data, to examine how real-world behaviors thoughts, emotions, and brain activity are related to one another. expand

The purpose of this study is to use smartphone technology to capture individual location emotional and cognitive data, to examine how real-world behaviors thoughts, emotions, and brain activity are related to one another.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2023

open study

RECOVERS - Realigning Emotion and COgnition Via prEcision Regulation networkS
Medical University of South Carolina Healthy Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
In this research study, the investigators are examining how brain activity (electrical and blood flow) changes during tests of emotional processing, attention and memory in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and outside the MRI using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Investig1 expand

In this research study, the investigators are examining how brain activity (electrical and blood flow) changes during tests of emotional processing, attention and memory in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and outside the MRI using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Investigators are also using non-invasive brain stimulation to probe different parts of the brain and measuring brain activity (electrical and blood flow). Study 1 This study includes healthy participants and researchers hope this will help us develop improved brain-based treatments for emotional difficulties like depression. Study 2 This study includes participants with depression and researchers hope this will help us develop improved brain-based treatments for emotional difficulties like depression.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Feb 2024

open study

Fostering Optimal Regulation of Emotion for Prevention of Secondary Trauma (FOREST)
Northwestern University Burnout Burnout, Professional Positive Affect Depression Anxiety
FOREST is a positive emotion skills program designed to target mental health and coping needs for frontline violence prevention workers at UCAN. Ten skills are taught over a period of nine months during existing meetings and wellness activities, as well as in online modules in UCAN's Learning Manag1 expand

FOREST is a positive emotion skills program designed to target mental health and coping needs for frontline violence prevention workers at UCAN. Ten skills are taught over a period of nine months during existing meetings and wellness activities, as well as in online modules in UCAN's Learning Management System (LMS). Through infusing the FOREST skills throughout UCAN, we hope to inspire organizational culture change that will emphasize the importance of wellbeing and enhance resilience, therefore reducing burnout and turnover.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2025

open study

COPEWeb Training for Providers
VA Office of Research and Development PTSD Substance Use Disorders
PTSD and substance use disorders (SUD) are two of the most common and debilitating mental health conditions afflicting military Veterans. PTSD and SUD frequently co-occur and are associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The investigators' team developed a trauma-focused intervention, Concurrent T1 expand

PTSD and substance use disorders (SUD) are two of the most common and debilitating mental health conditions afflicting military Veterans. PTSD and SUD frequently co-occur and are associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The investigators' team developed a trauma-focused intervention, Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE), which is identified by the VA as a gold standard of behavioral healthcare and was designated as a first-line treatment in the 2025 APA Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD. However, a critical barrier to ensuring that Veterans with co-occurring PTSD/SUD receive evidence-based treatment is a lack of provider training. This project directly addresses this critical gap by developing a new web-based training program for providers (COPEWeb).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2025

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

MOTIVATE to Improve Outcomes for Older Veterans With Musculoskeletal Pain and Depression
VA Office of Research and Development Chronic Back Pain Depression Aging Musculoskeletal Pain
The proposed study seeks to evaluate effectiveness, implementation processes, and cost of MOTIVATE among older Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and comorbid depressive symptoms. expand

The proposed study seeks to evaluate effectiveness, implementation processes, and cost of MOTIVATE among older Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and comorbid depressive symptoms.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2023

open study

Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Pre-Operative Anxiety
Jacques E. Chelly Anxiety Preoperative
The goal of this clinical trial is to use the validated PROMIS Emotional Distress - Anxiety - Short Form 8a and PROMIS Emotional Distress-Depression-Short Form pre-and post-intervention to establish a superior correlation between the auriculotherapy treatment and the reduction of perioperative anxi1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to use the validated PROMIS Emotional Distress - Anxiety - Short Form 8a and PROMIS Emotional Distress-Depression-Short Form pre-and post-intervention to establish a superior correlation between the auriculotherapy treatment and the reduction of perioperative anxiety. Subject population will include those having a partial or total nephrectomy for cancer. Drawing the role that auriculotherapy may play in reducing perioperative anxiety related requirement after surgery may also help in reducing the risk of opioid use disorders (OUD) since anxiety has been found to be a major risk factor for OUD in surgical patients. Therefore, this trial will also examine the effect of the auriculotherapy intervention in reducing opioid requirement after surgery.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2021

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

Diet and Microbiome Interactions: Application in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults Consuming1
Colorado State University PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The gut microbiome has been shown to impact various facets of human health, including mental health. Studies have shown that populations with more agrarian lifestyles tend to have fewer chronic diseases and mental health issues than industrialized populations. A possible factor in these differences1 expand

The gut microbiome has been shown to impact various facets of human health, including mental health. Studies have shown that populations with more agrarian lifestyles tend to have fewer chronic diseases and mental health issues than industrialized populations. A possible factor in these differences is the loss of co-evolved gut microbial taxa that has occurred with Westernization. This hypothesis, termed "Old Friends Hypothesis" suggests that the loss of certain gut microbes leads to immune dysregulation and increased chronic inflammation that contributes to development of cancers, cardiometabolic diseases and even neuroinflammation that can lead to negative behavioral and mental health outcomes. Other studies have shown that increasing the intake of plant foods may help increase diversity of the microbes in the gut and that this increased diversity could lead to better health outcomes in humans. The investigators propose to evaluate daily consumption of a drink consisting of a high diversity of plants (30 plant species) for four weeks on the diversity of the gut microbiome, biological signatures of inflammation, quality of life, sleep quality, and PTSD symptoms among persons with a diagnosis of PTSD. The investigators hypothesize that four weeks of daily consumption of this high plant diversity beverage (30 plant species) will increase gut microbiome ɑ-diversity, reduce markers of systemic inflammation, and improve PTSD symptom severity relative to daily consumption of a beverage containing only three plant species.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

A Randomized Study of Azetukalner Versus Placebo in Major Depressive Disorder (X-NOVA3)
Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. Major Depressive Disorder
X-NOVA3 is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of azetukalner as a monotherapy in adult participants diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) expand

X-NOVA3 is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of azetukalner as a monotherapy in adult participants diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2025

open study

Developing Resilience and Anxiety Management Through the Arts
Case Western Reserve University Anxiety Depression Mood
The Developing Resilience and Anxiety Management Through the Arts (DRAMA) Study examines the degree to which the arts can help to address stress, anxiety, and sad mood in children and adolescents. The researchers will pair theatrical improvisation exercises with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) t1 expand

The Developing Resilience and Anxiety Management Through the Arts (DRAMA) Study examines the degree to which the arts can help to address stress, anxiety, and sad mood in children and adolescents. The researchers will pair theatrical improvisation exercises with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques versus improvisation exercises alone versus a social craft group on reducing elevated levels of anxiety and depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2025

open study

Comparative Effectiveness of Internet-based Versus Parent-Coached Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For1
Baylor College of Medicine Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Anxiety Disorder of Childhood or Adolescence Social Anxiety Disorder of Childhood Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Separation Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are common and confer significant disability. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment for youth with anxiety, yet many families cannot access CBT due to cost, practicalities of attending in-person treatment sessions, and a shorta1 expand

Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are common and confer significant disability. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment for youth with anxiety, yet many families cannot access CBT due to cost, practicalities of attending in-person treatment sessions, and a shortage of trained providers, especially in rural areas. To combat these barriers, other treatment methods have been developed. Previous research has shown that family-based, internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) for anxiety and OCD in youth has shown a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. Parent-coached exposure therapy (PCET) focuses entirely on teaching parents and youth together how to address anxiety through the completion of in-session parent-coached exposures and assigning parent-coached exposure as homework in between sessions. Although both iCBT and PCET show positive results in treating pediatric anxiety in comparison to standard-care CBT, little is known about the comparative efficacy of iCBT and PCET. This research is being done to understand the comparative effectiveness of two different types of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety or OCD in youth.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2025

open study

Mood Effects of Serotonin Agonists: Depression
University of Chicago LSD Major Depressive Disorder Depression
This study will examine the effect of a low dose of the 5HT2A agonist LSD (26 µg), compared to placebo, on acute and protracted mood states in individuals with depression. The investigators will assess the relationship between mood-related symptoms and EEG as a neurophysiological marker. expand

This study will examine the effect of a low dose of the 5HT2A agonist LSD (26 µg), compared to placebo, on acute and protracted mood states in individuals with depression. The investigators will assess the relationship between mood-related symptoms and EEG as a neurophysiological marker.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study