Find recruiting clinical trials for depression in the UK — including major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression, and bipolar depression subtypes. See treatment pathways and where trials fit in.
Free to use — Live data from ClinicalTrials.gov — Updated hourly
Answer a few questions about your condition and we'll match you to the most relevant clinical trials.
See where clinical trials fit into your treatment journey
Initial treatment
Standard: SSRI antidepressant (Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Citalopram) + talking therapy
After inadequate response to first SSRI
Standard: Switch SSRI or try SNRI (Venlafaxine, Duloxetine)
Adding medication to current antidepressant
Standard: Mirtazapine, Aripiprazole, Lithium augmentation
Failed 2+ adequate antidepressant trials
Standard: Esketamine (Spravato), vagus nerve stimulation, or clinical trial
Persistent low mood, loss of interest, and other symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks. The most common form of clinical depression.
Depression that has not responded to at least 2 adequate courses of antidepressant treatment. About one-third of MDD patients fall into this category.
Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. Requires different treatment approaches than unipolar depression — some antidepressants can trigger mania.
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Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is typically defined as not responding to at least two adequate trials of antidepressant medication at sufficient dose and duration (usually 6-8 weeks each). Many clinical trials specifically target TRD patients.
Yes. Several UK trials are studying esketamine (Spravato nasal spray), psilocybin-assisted therapy, ketamine infusions, and other rapid-acting treatments. These are particularly relevant for treatment-resistant depression.
It depends on the trial design. Some require a washout period, while others allow you to continue current medication and add the study drug (augmentation design). The trial team will explain exactly what is involved.
All clinical trials in the UK must be approved by ethics committees and the MHRA. You will be closely monitored throughout. You can withdraw at any time without it affecting your usual NHS care.
Use our search above to find trials that match your condition and location. Review the eligibility criteria carefully.
Talk to your GP or specialist about any trials you are interested in. They can help determine if a trial is appropriate for you.
Reach out to the trial team directly using the contact information on the ClinicalTrials.gov listing. They will guide you through screening.
If you meet the criteria and decide to participate, you will go through informed consent and begin the trial process.