Mental Health & Psychiatry Clinical Trials Update: Week 13, 2026

Published March 29, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert. Blog posts are AI-drafted from ClinicalTrials.gov source data and reviewed by the editorial team. See our editorial policy for details.

A Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of KarXT for the Treatment of Psychosis Associated With Alzheimer's Disease (ADEPT-2)

This Phase 3 trial is testing KarXT, an oral medication, for people aged 55 to 90 who experience psychosis linked to Alzheimer's disease. Psychosis in Alzheimer's can cause hallucinations and delusions, which are very distressing for patients and caregivers. If KarXT proves safe and effective, it may become a new treatment option to help manage these challenging symptoms and improve quality of life.

A Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of KarXT for the Treatment of Psychosis Associated With Alzheimer's Disease (ADEPT-1)

This ongoing Phase 3 study is also focused on KarXT but aims to prevent relapse of psychosis symptoms in Alzheimer's patients. It is currently recruiting participants worldwide and will follow patients for 38 weeks. Success in this trial could mean a longer-lasting treatment that helps maintain symptom control and reduces the need for hospitalizations.

Ketamine + Cognitive Training for Suicidality in the Medical Setting

This Phase 4 study is exploring a new approach to reduce suicidal thoughts by combining a single intravenous dose of ketamine with cognitive training. Taking place in the United States, it includes adults referred for psychiatric consultation in medical inpatient settings. If effective, this treatment could provide a quicker and more powerful way to support people experiencing suicidality.

Understanding the Role of the Kappa Opioid Receptor in Ketamine's Attenuation of Suicidal Thoughts

This Phase 4 trial investigates how ketamine reduces suicidal thoughts in people with major depressive disorder. Using brain scans and smartphone tracking, researchers aim to better understand ketamine’s effects. Findings could help develop faster-acting treatments that specifically target suicidal ideation in depression, offering hope for patients in crisis.

A Study to Evaluate the Long-term Safety and Tolerability of KarXT and KarX-EC for the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Autism-Related Irritability in Adolescents, Respectively

This Phase 3 trial is testing the long-term use of KarXT and KarX-EC in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 with schizophrenia or autism-related irritability. By focusing on safety and tolerability, the study hopes to find effective treatments with fewer side effects. This could lead to better management of symptoms during critical developmental years.

Mental health research continues to advance with promising studies this week focusing on new treatments for psychosis in Alzheimer's disease, suicidality, and challenges faced by young people with schizophrenia and autism. These trials represent important steps toward improved care and symptom relief. TrialsAlert subscribers received the full impact-classified briefing and doctor-ready report this week. Get weekly briefings at trialsalert.com.