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For many people living with depression, treatment brings relief over time. But for others, the symptoms remain — heavy, persistent, and disruptive — even after trying medications, therapy, or both.

Depression: A Daily Struggle Many Don’t See

We often hear the word “depression” used casually — but for those living with major depressive disorder (MDD), it’s far more than a passing mood. Depression can affect nearly every part of a person’s life, from sleep and energy to relationships and decision-making.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world and for some, finding the right treatment can be a long and difficult journey. At Segal Trials, we are actively researching new care options, including psychedelic-based approaches, to better understand how they might help people living with treatment-resistant depression.

What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) refers to depression that doesn’t improve after trying two or more standard antidepressant treatments. This can leave individuals feeling frustrated, hopeless, and unsure of where to turn next.

That’s where clinical research plays a vital role.

Exploring Psychedelics in Research
Psychedelics have gained attention in recent years for their potential use in mental health care. While still under investigation, certain psychedelic compounds are being studied for how they may interact with the brain differently than traditional medications.

At Segal Trials, our research team is conducting a clinical study to evaluate one of these compounds in individuals who have not responded to other treatments for depression. The goal is to learn more about its effects, safety, and potential as a new care option.

Why Participate in a Clinical Study?
By joining a clinical trial, you’re not only exploring new options for your own care — you’re helping researchers and future patients, too. Participants in our studies often receive:

• Access to care from experienced medical staff
• No-cost study-related exams and procedures
• Compensation for time and travel (if eligible)

Who Can Join?

• Our current study is enrolling adults who:
• Are between the ages of 18 and 65
• Have been diagnosed with depression
• Have not responded well to previous treatments
• Every study has specific eligibility criteria. If you’re interested, you can see if you qualify here or contact us directly.

Shaping the Future of Mental Health Care
At Segal Trials, we’ve been dedicated to advancing mental health research since 1998. With over two decades of experience and a passionate team of experts, we’re proud to support new research that could change lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and looking for new options, a research study may be a step worth exploring.

👉 Explore Current Studies

Depression affects more than 264 million people worldwide. While traditional treatments like SSRIs and psychotherapy have provided relief for many, a significant portion of individuals continue to experience persistent symptoms. Recent advancements in clinical research up to 2024 have introduced innovative therapies, offering renewed hope for those with treatment-resistant depression.​

Introduction

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy and celebration, yet for many, it can be a period marked by heightened emotional challenges. Depression during Christmas and sadness during the holidays are common feelings. These emotions may come from various sources, such as family dynamics, increased stress, and societal pressures.

Postpartum depression (PPD) continues to be a significant challenge affecting many new mothers, altering the joyous occasion of childbirth into a time of struggle and emotional turmoil. With advances in medical research, new treatment avenues are opening up, offering hope where traditional methods might fall short. One such promising field is the use of psychedelics in treating mood disorders like PPD.

The resurgence of interest in psychedelics, once sidelined by regulatory crackdowns and societal skepticism, marks a pivotal turn in the quest for effective mental health treatments. Psychedelic drugs, encompassing substances like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), and ayahuasca, have moved from the fringes of scientific inquiry to the forefront of innovative psychiatric research. This article delves into how psychedelics are revolutionizing the treatment of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and PTSD, the limitations of current pharmaceutical options, and the promising horizon of psychedelic-assisted therapy, underscored by rigorous clinical research aiming for FDA approval.

Exploring treatment-resistant depression (TRD), this article highlights new research and strategies offering hope through understanding risk factors, rethinking depression's causes, and innovative management methods.

The contributions made to our community from caregivers is monumental, and we want to provide resources, information, and the latest news to help support them. Please share this blog with other caregivers, family and friends and be sure to leave us a comment below.

Exploring how the lingering effects of COVID-19 in 2023 further influence depression rates and mental health challenges.