Depression Trials / Trials in Maryland
30 Recruiting Trials

Clinical Trials
for Depression in Maryland

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

30
Recruiting trials
42
Study sites
16
Cities
10
Industry-sponsored
7
Phase 2
5
Phase 3

Depression clinical trials in Maryland: 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 Maryland, recruiting depression studies are concentrated in Baltimore, Bethesda, Gaithersburg and Rockville, with sites in 12 other cities. 10 of the 30 are run by a drug or device company, which usually means a larger study with travel reimbursement; the rest are academic or hospital-led.

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 20 of 30 recruiting Depression trials in Maryland

Mechanism of Action Underlying Ketamine's Antidepressant Effects: The AMPA Throughput Theory in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Major Depression
PHASE1 Bethesda, Maryland NCT03973268
This trial is looking for adults with major depression that has not responded to other treatments. Participants will spend five weeks in a clinical center, undergoing various tests and treatments including ketamine or a placebo.
Recruiting
Characterization and Treatment of Adolescent Depression
N/A Bethesda, Maryland +2 sites NCT03388606
This trial is looking for teenagers aged 11-17 who are experiencing depression. Participants will undergo evaluations and may receive therapy for up to 25 weeks.
Recruiting
Multicenter Study of Lumateperone for the Treatment of Bipolar Depression in Pediatric Patients
PHASE3 Dothan, Alabama +4 sites NCT06372964
This trial is looking for young people aged 10 to 17 who have bipolar depression. Participants will receive either the study medication or a placebo while their mood is monitored.
Recruiting
A Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of VLS-01 Buccal Film, Compared to Placebo in Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression (ELUMINA)
PHASE2 Tucson, Arizona +4 sites NCT06524830
This trial is looking for adults with treatment resistant depression. Participants will receive either a new treatment called VLS-01 Buccal Film or a placebo to see how effective it is.
Recruiting
ALTO-207 in Adults With Treatment-resistant Depression (TRD)
PHASE2 Birmingham, Alabama +4 sites NCT07553637
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 75 who have moderate to severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Participants will compare the effects of ALTO-207 with a placebo.
Recruiting
A Prospective, Multi-center, Randomized Controlled Blinded Trial Demonstrating the Safety and Effectiveness of VNS Therapy® System as Adjunctive Therapy Versus a No Stimulation Control in Subjects With Treatment-Resistant Depression
NA Birmingham, Alabama +4 sites NCT03887715
This trial is looking for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Participants will receive either active VNS therapy or a control without stimulation to see how it affects their depression over 12 months.
Recruiting
A Study to Assess Change in Disease Activity and Adverse Events (AEs) With Cariprazine in the Treatment of Depressive Episodes in Pediatric Participants Participants (10 to 17 Years of Age) With Bipolar I Disorder.
PHASE3 Bentonville, Arkansas +4 sites NCT04777357
This trial is looking for young people aged 10 to 17 who have bipolar I disorder and are experiencing depressive episodes. Participants will receive either a study drug called cariprazine or a placebo to see how it affects their mood.
Recruiting
[18F]PF-06445974 to Image PDE4B in Major Depressive Disorder Using PET
PHASE1 Bethesda, Maryland NCT05703685
This trial is looking for adults aged 18-70 with major depressive disorder who are currently experiencing a major depressive episode. Participants will have a series of visits that include health checks, brain scans, and answering questions about their mood.
Recruiting
PET Imaging of Cyclooxygenase in Participants With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
PHASE1 Bethesda, Maryland NCT04582916
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 70 with major depressive disorder who are experiencing a major depressive episode. Participants will undergo brain imaging using a special substance and may take celecoxib as part of the study.
Recruiting
Long-term Observation of Participants With Mood Disorders
N/A Bethesda, Maryland NCT04877977
This trial is looking for adults 18 and older who participated in previous research on mood disorders. Taking part involves completing online surveys about feelings and treatments, followed by a phone interview about mental health since the last study.
Recruiting
Investigation of the Antidepressant Effects of (2R,6R)-HNK, an Enhancer of Synaptic Glutamate Release, in Treatment-Resistant Depression
PHASE2 Bethesda, Maryland NCT06511908
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 70 who have major depressive disorder that hasn’t responded to treatment. Participants will stop their current depression medications and receive infusions of (2R,6R)-HNK or a placebo over several weeks, with assessments of their mood and thinking.
Recruiting
Psilocybin in Chronic Low Back Pain and Depression
PHASE1 Baltimore, Maryland NCT06355414
This trial is looking for adults aged 21 to 80 who have chronic low back pain and depression. Participants will take a dose of psilocybin or another medication and complete assessments about their experiences and symptoms.
Recruiting
Psilocybin for Depression in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Early Alzheimer's Disease
EARLY_PHASE1 Baltimore, Maryland NCT04123314
This trial is looking for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or early Alzheimer's Disease who are experiencing depression. Participants will take the drug psilocybin in a supportive environment to see if it helps improve their mood and quality of life.
Recruiting
Natural History of Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk
N/A Bethesda, Maryland NCT06462196
This trial is looking for adults with depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide risk who are currently receiving treatment. Participants will answer questions and may take some additional tests to help improve treatment for these conditions.
Recruiting
Clinical Assessment of Response in the Treatment of Depression With Daytime Sleepiness Using Solriamfetol
PHASE3 Tucson, Arizona +4 sites NCT07484217
This trial is looking for adults with major depressive disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness symptoms. Participants will first take solriamfetol openly, followed by a period where neither the participant nor the doctor knows if the treatment is the drug or a placebo.
Recruiting
ALTO-100 in Bipolar Disorder With Depression (BD-D)
PHASE2 Birmingham, Alabama +4 sites NCT06656416
This trial is looking for adults who have bipolar disorder along with a current major depressive episode and are already taking a mood stabilizer. It’s important that they haven't changed their medication in the last two weeks and are not pregnant or breastfeeding. They can't have other serious health issues, be currently using certain medications, or have a history of severe substance use problems.
Recruiting
A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of DT-101 in Patients With Depression
PHASE2 Bentonville, Arkansas +4 sites NCT07300969
This trial is looking for adults with recurrent depression to see if DT-101 can help. Participants will visit the clinic every couple of weeks for health checks and to complete questionnaires.
Recruiting
A Study of a Deuterated Psilocin Analog (CYB003) in Humans With Major Depressive Disorder
PHASE3 Birmingham, Alabama +4 sites NCT06793397
This trial is looking for adults with major depressive disorder to see if CYB003 is effective and safe. Participants will take either the drug or a placebo while continuing their current antidepressant medication.
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
Neurobiology of Suicide
PHASE2 Bethesda, Maryland NCT02543983
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 70 who have thoughts of suicide, have previously tried to end their life, have depression or anxiety, or are healthy volunteers. Participants will undergo tests and evaluations to study brain functions, feelings, and sleep patterns.
Recruiting
See all 30 Depression trials in Maryland

Where the Depression studies are in Maryland

Research sites running the most studies
  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda12 trials
  • Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore2 trials
  • Sunstone Medical, PC, Rockville2 trials
  • Baltimore VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Baltimore1 trial
  • Central Maryland Radiation Oncology in Howard County, Columbia1 trial
  • Clinical Insights, Glen Burnie1 trial
By city

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

Depression clinical trials in Maryland: common questions

How many Depression clinical trials are recruiting in Maryland?
TrialFinder currently lists 30 recruiting Depression clinical trials with study sites in Maryland. Results are updated regularly from ClinicalTrials.gov, the official U.S. registry of clinical studies.
Where are Depression clinical trials located in Maryland?
Study sites for the Depression trials listed on this page include Bethesda, Baltimore. 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 Maryland?
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 Maryland 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 Maryland?
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 Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine 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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