depression in adolescence

Depression trials address major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and postpartum depression with a growing toolkit that extends beyond conventional SSRIs/SNRIs. The rapid approval of ketamine/esketamine for TRD has sparked interest in NMDA receptor modulators, while psychedelic-assisted therapy (psilocybin, MDMA) trials represent a paradigm shift in psychiatric research.

Active trials investigate rapid-acting antidepressants (ketamine analogs), neuroactive steroids, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, digital therapeutics, and precision psychiatry approaches using biomarkers or genetic testing to predict treatment response.

Depression trials typically require a minimum MADRS or HAMD score at baseline; TRD trials usually require failure of at least 2 prior adequate antidepressant courses.