Depression Trials / Trials in Iowa
8 Recruiting Trials

Clinical Trials
for Depression in Iowa

8 clinical trials for Depression are currently recruiting participants at study sites in Iowa. Study-related care is provided at no cost.

8
Recruiting trials
19
Study sites
10
Cities
1
Phase 2
1
Phase 3

Depression clinical trials in Iowa: what to expect

Depression trials cover new medicines, brain stimulation, talk therapy and digital programs. The busiest area is treatment-resistant depression: studies for people whose current antidepressant has not helped enough, testing rapid-acting medicines, add-on treatments and devices such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. Others compare types of therapy, test app-based programs, or study depression alongside another condition such as chronic pain or heart disease.

In Iowa, recruiting depression studies are concentrated in Iowa City, Ames, Ankeny and Bettendorf, with sites in 6 other cities.

Who depression trials usually look for

Most adult trials require a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, a current episode with symptoms above a threshold on a standard questionnaire, and ages 18 to 65. Treatment-resistant trials ask that one or two antidepressants at a proper dose have not worked in the current episode. Common exclusions are bipolar disorder, psychosis, a substance use disorder in the last year and, for safety, a high current suicide risk. Many trials let you continue stable talk therapy.

Some medicine trials add the study drug to the antidepressant you take; others require a supervised taper first. The listing says which.

What taking part involves

Screening is a structured interview with a clinician plus blood work. Medicine trials usually run six to twelve weeks with weekly or fortnightly visits and mood questionnaires, and many include a placebo arm, with close safety monitoring either way; an open-label extension often follows so everyone can receive the active drug. Therapy and app trials run eight to sixteen weeks and compare against usual care. Treatment, visits and tests are free, and most trials pay for time.

Questions worth asking the study team

Whether you would taper your current medicine and how that is supervised; the chance of placebo and whether there is an open-label extension; what happens if you feel worse during the study; and whether your own doctor is kept informed. Research records are kept separate from your medical record unless you ask otherwise.

Showing 8 of 8 recruiting Depression trials in Iowa

University of Iowa Interventional Psychiatry Service Patient Registry
N/A Iowa City, Iowa NCT04480918
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 99 with treatment-resistant depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Participants will receive various therapies and be monitored through tests during the process.
Recruiting
Ketamine Alcohol (in Treatment-Resistant Depression)
PHASE2 Iowa City, Iowa NCT02122562
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 55 who are struggling with major depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments. Participants will receive an infusion of ketamine and complete assessments throughout the study.
Recruiting
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Chemosensitivity and SUDEP
NA Iowa City, Iowa NCT04134754
This trial is looking for adults with epilepsy to understand factors that might cause Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Participants will be monitored for ten years to see how seizures affect their breathing and heart health.
Recruiting
RESISTance Exercise for Depression Trial
NA Ames, Iowa +1 sites NCT06110897
This trial is looking for adults with Major Depressive Disorder. Participants will take part in either a high or low dose resistance exercise program for 16 weeks to see how it helps with depression.
Recruiting
E-Mindfulness Approaches for Living After Breast Cancer
PHASE3 Phoenix, Arizona +4 sites NCT06748222
This trial is looking for younger women who have survived breast cancer and are experiencing depression. Participants will try two different mindfulness programs, one led by an instructor via Zoom and the other through a mobile app.
Recruiting
Cerebellar Stimulation and Cognitive Control
NA Iowa City, Iowa NCT03217110
This trial is looking for patients with depression, autism, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, or schizophrenia. Participants will receive cerebellar stimulation to see if it can help improve their mood and thinking abilities.
Recruiting
Concurrent TMS-fMRI
NA Iowa City, Iowa NCT06633913
This trial is looking for adults with depression or anxiety, as well as healthy individuals to help researchers understand brain activity. Participants will undergo tests and brain scans while receiving a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment.
Recruiting
Creating Health Course Study for People With Rheumatological Conditions and Mood Disorders
NA Iowa City, Iowa NCT07180537
This trial is looking for adults with certain rheumatological conditions and mood disorders who want to improve their health through an online program. Participants will complete surveys and engage with the course for 6 months.
Recruiting
See all 8 Depression trials in Iowa

Where the Depression studies are in Iowa

Research sites running the most studies
  • University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City2 trials
  • Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines1 trial
  • Iowa State University, Ames1 trial
  • Mercy Medical Center - Des Moines, Des Moines1 trial
  • Oncology Associates at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids1 trial
  • Saint Anthony Regional Hospital, Carroll1 trial
By city

Counts are recruiting studies listing at least one site in Iowa, from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed every two days.

Depression clinical trials in Iowa: common questions

How many Depression clinical trials are recruiting in Iowa?
TrialFinder currently lists 8 recruiting Depression clinical trials with study sites in Iowa. Results are updated regularly from ClinicalTrials.gov, the official U.S. registry of clinical studies.
Where are Depression clinical trials located in Iowa?
Study sites for the Depression trials listed on this page include Iowa City, Ames. Each trial page lists every participating site with contact details, so you can find the location closest to you.
Do I need insurance to join a Depression clinical trial in Iowa?
No. Study-related care is covered by the trial sponsor at no cost to participants, including the study treatment, required lab tests and study visits. Many Depression trials in Iowa also compensate participants for time and travel. Health insurance is not required to search or enroll.
How do I qualify for a Depression clinical trial in Iowa?
Each study sets its own criteria based on age, Depression diagnosis details, prior treatments, current medications and general health. The fastest way to find out is to contact a research site directly — most will pre-screen you by phone in 10 to 15 minutes at no charge. You can also create a free TrialFinder profile to be matched automatically.
Do I have to stop my antidepressant to join a depression trial?
Not always. Many trials add the study treatment to the antidepressant you already take; others ask for a supervised taper before starting. Each listing states which, and the study doctor manages any change.
Is there a placebo in depression trials?
Most medicine trials include a placebo arm, often with two active participants for every one on placebo, and usually followed by an extension where everyone receives the drug. Therapy, device and app trials generally compare against usual care instead.
Can I join if I am already seeing a therapist?
Usually yes for medicine trials, provided the therapy has been ongoing and stable. Trials of a specific therapy may ask you not to start a second one during the study.
Depression Trials in Other States
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Helpful Reading
Are Clinical Trials Safe? What Patients Should Know
How clinical trial safety works — phases, IRB oversight, informed consent, and your right to withdraw — plus the real risks and questions to ask.
How to Know If You Qualify for a Clinical Trial
Every trial has eligibility criteria based on diagnosis, age, and medical history. Here's how to tell if you qualify — and what to do if you're not sure.
Clinical Trials Without Insurance: What You Need to Know
Clinical trials cover the cost of study-related care, making them one of the few ways to access treatment without health insurance. Here's what's covered.
All guides →

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About Depression Trials

Depression trials investigate antidepressant medications, TMS, ketamine infusions, psychotherapy protocols, and digital mental-health interventions.

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Other Conditions in Iowa
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