Mental Health & Psychiatry Clinical Trials Update: Week 17, 2026

Published April 24, 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.

Teen Vulnerability to Irritability: Brain and Estrogen Changes

This study is exploring a new hormone-based treatment aimed at helping teenage girls who experience depression and irritability. By focusing on stabilizing hormone levels, the trial hopes to reduce mood swings and lower the risk of suicide. This could provide an important new option for managing mood changes related to hormonal shifts during adolescence.

Leverage Noninvasive Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Reduce Suicidal Behaviors in Vulnerable Adolescents

This research is testing a gentle, noninvasive treatment that stimulates the vagus nerve along with a smartphone app designed to support teens at risk of suicide. If effective, this approach may offer a new and accessible way to help young people manage suicidal thoughts and reduce self-harm behaviors over time. The study will track participants for a full year to see how well this method works.

PAIRS: Friend-Based AISA Intervention

This trial focuses on reducing sexual violence linked to alcohol use among college students by using motivational interviews delivered through friends. By encouraging peer support, the study aims to lower risky drinking behaviors and the chance of alcohol-related sexual assault. This approach may offer a practical way to improve safety and well-being on college campuses.

DINO RCT - Treating Anxiety in Children With Autism

This trial is testing a new form of cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered remotely to young children under 7 who have both autism and anxiety. The goal is to help ease anxiety and difficulty handling uncertainty with a treatment designed specifically for this group. If successful, it could provide more tailored mental health support for young autistic children and their families.

Social Media Support Groups for Adolescent Vaping Cessation

This study is exploring whether online support groups on social media can help teens and young adults quit vaping nicotine. By providing peer encouragement in a familiar digital environment, the program aims to make quitting easier and more accessible. This trial could lead to new tools for young people seeking to stop vaping.

TrialsAlert subscribers received the full impact-classified briefing and doctor-ready report this week. Get weekly briefings at trialsalert.com.