Research

Photo of doctor listening to patient

Researchers at the MGH Depression Clinical and Research Program are working to advance the understanding and treatment of depression.

Many of our current research studies are actively recruiting patients to team up with us to improve depression care.

Studies

Scroll down to see all studies or select the studies you want to see and click "Apply my choice(s)."

Alternative treatments

Peripheral Neuroimmune Mechanisms of Hyperthermia

Past research indicates that one session of whole-body hyperthermia (WBH), which involves whole-body heating in a sauna-like environment, can lead to a significant improvement in depressive symptoms. 

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Major Depressive Disorder

The purpose of this study is to understand how to best treat adults with depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT). 

Mental health and technology

Sensors-based Characterization of Depression (SENSCODE)

Are you currently depressed? Have you recently started treatment with medications or therapy? Do you own a smart phone? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a virtual research study at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

Biological and genetic research

Peripheral Neuroimmune Mechanisms of Hyperthermia

Past research indicates that one session of whole-body hyperthermia (WBH), which involves whole-body heating in a sauna-like environment, can lead to a significant improvement in depressive symptoms. 

RECOVER

Do you have Medicare and are you struggling to find a depression treatment that works? The RECOVER VNS trial is a 5-year-long clinical trial intended to determine if Medicare patients suffering with treatment-resistant depression experience an antidepressant benefit from implantation with a vagus nerve stimulator. We are currently only recruiting patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, as the unipolar arm of the study has met its recruitment goal. 

Imaging biomarkers for ketamine-associated plasticity in treatment-resistant depression

Are you currently receiving Ketamine infusions at the MGH Intravenous Ketamine Clinic for Depression? You may qualify to be a part of our study!

The Role of Inflammation in Cognitive Dysfunction

We investigate how reducing inflammation with an anti-inflammatory medication - infliximab - can lead to improvement in cognitive complaints in depressed individuals who experience high levels of inflammation.

Evaluating the Prevalence of Specific Cognitive Deficits in Depression

This study investigates how cognitive function and immune dysfunction may be related in depressed individuals.

Medication

Ketamine and Esketamine Treatment and Maintenance in Depression (KETAMIND)

The KETAMIND Study aims to examine the effect of ketamine and esketamine treatments in reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, and whether improvement continues over the course of 6 months.

Imaging biomarkers for ketamine-associated plasticity in treatment-resistant depression

Are you currently receiving Ketamine infusions at the MGH Intravenous Ketamine Clinic for Depression? You may qualify to be a part of our study!

The Role of Inflammation in Cognitive Dysfunction

We investigate how reducing inflammation with an anti-inflammatory medication - infliximab - can lead to improvement in cognitive complaints in depressed individuals who experience high levels of inflammation.

Neuroimaging

Imaging biomarkers for ketamine-associated plasticity in treatment-resistant depression

Are you currently receiving Ketamine infusions at the MGH Intravenous Ketamine Clinic for Depression? You may qualify to be a part of our study!