Anxiety disorders affect about 30% of adults at some point in their lives. Standard treatment involves talk therapy, medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines, or both. Many people respond well, but some don't find relief with existing options, and side effects can be limiting.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing drugs that work on brain systems beyond serotonin — including glutamate modulators, neuroactive steroids, and psychedelics used alongside therapy. Researchers are also studying digital tools, vagus nerve stimulation, and whether treating inflammation helps some forms of anxiety. The focus is on faster relief and fewer side effects than current medications.
Glutamate-targeting drugs
Several compounds affect glutamate, the brain's main excitatory signal, rather than serotonin. Early trials suggest they might work faster than SSRIs and help people who haven't responded to standard medications.
Neuroactive steroids
These drugs amplify GABA, the brain's calming signal, differently than benzodiazepines. One is FDA-approved for postpartum depression, and trials are testing whether similar compounds help anxiety without causing dependence.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Trials are testing psilocybin and MDMA combined with structured therapy sessions. Early results suggest benefit for severe anxiety tied to trauma or life-threatening illness, though larger studies are ongoing.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on anxiety severity, specific diagnosis (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), whether you've tried standard treatments, and absence of certain other mental health conditions.
What types of trials are currently open
- Medication trials — Testing new drugs or repurposed medications against placebo or existing treatments. Often involve daily pills for weeks or months, with regular symptom assessments.
- Psychedelic trials — Testing psilocybin or MDMA in controlled settings with trained therapists. Usually involve a few dosing sessions over several weeks.
- Digital therapy trials — Testing apps or virtual reality programs that deliver cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy. Most allow participation from home.
- Device trials — Testing wearable or implanted devices that stimulate nerves or deliver brain stimulation to reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Biomarker studies — Collecting blood, imaging, or genetic data to identify who responds to which treatments and why some anxiety persists.
Recently added Anxiety Disorders trials
Removing Surrogates Uncertainty to Reduce Fear and Anxiety After Cardiac Events - Kids
This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) will test the feasibility and acceptability of the informational intervention program, Heartsight, to reduce caregivers' uncertainty experienced throughout their child's illness trajectory after cardiac arrest. The investigator aims to enroll up to 30 caregivers of pediatric cardiac arrest patients to (Aim 1a) pilot recruitment and randomization (2:1) procedures, and (Aim 1b) estimate retention rate at 3 months and assess engagement and utilization metrics for frequency of access and time spent on each module of the informational packages. The investigator also aims to evaluate the association of the intervention with efficacy outcomes in an exploratory manner in preparation for a larger trial, including (Aim2a) a preliminary estimate of the association of intervention with the surrogate's uncertainty levels at 3 months post-discharge, and (Aim 2b) a preliminary estimate of the association of intervention with the surrogate's anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms at 3 months post-discharge.
SanaMente: A Peer-Led Program to Reduce Health Disparities in Rural Latino/a Communities
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the SanaMente peer-led mental health and lifestyle program for rural Latino/a adults with chronic medical conditions and mental health concerns. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the SanaMente program feasible and acceptable for rural Latino/a adults with chronic medical conditions and mental health concerns? * Does participation in the SanaMente program improve mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress), healthy lifestyle behaviors (sleep, physical activity, and nutrition), and overall well-being? This is a single-arm pilot study without comparison group. Participants will: * Participate in the 6-8 week SanaMente peer-led group program. * Complete surveys at baseline, mid-program, and post-program assessing mental health, lifestyle behaviors, overall well-being, and program satisfaction. * Complete an exit survey and have the option to participate in a focus group to provide feedback on the program's usability, acceptability, perceived impact, and suggestions for improvement.
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