Beta-band brain stimulation to reduce impulsive self-injury in teens

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional trial compares active beta-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with sham stimulation in adolescents who meet DSM-5 criteria for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Participants receive two stimulation sessions per day, four hours apart, for seven consecutive days (14 sessions total), with clinical scales, behavioral tasks, and eye-tracking performed before and after the intervention. Self-injury episodes and any adverse reactions are recorded continuously, and cognitive and medical screening (e.g., MoCA, neurological history) determine eligibility. The primary outcomes focus on changes in impulse inhibition and the safety/tolerability of beta-band tACS.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\) Meet the proposed diagnostic criteria for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), with ≥5 documented self-injury episodes and at least one incident within the past month as assessed by the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Questionnaire (ANSAQ); 2) Aged 12-18 years; 3) Right-handed; 4) Possess formal education experience sufficient to comprehend experimental protocols; 5) Normal or corrected-to-normal binocular visual acuity; 6) Voluntarily participate with legal guardians providing written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \< 26; 2) History of suicide attempt(s); 3) Medical history of epilepsy, brain surgery, intracranial tumors, metal implants in the skull, or clinically significant head trauma; 4) History of substance use disorder, brain injury, severe somatic diseases, psychiatric disorders, or comorbid DSM-5 psychiatric conditions; 5) Prior receipt of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) within the past 3 months

Where it's running

• School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University
  Hefei, Anhui, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Meiling Wang, bachelor
• Email: 1605280093@qq.com
• Phone: +86 136 4707 0027

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.