Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 45

Effect of brain stimulation on stress response in healthy individuals

Official title: Biological, Neuropsychological and Electrophysiological Effect of Transcranial Alternative Current Stimulation at Alpha Frequency (α-tACS) on Stressed Healthy Subjects

Run by Hôpital le Vinatier · NCT06229002 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if a type of brain stimulation can help healthy people manage stress better by looking at how it affects their stress hormone levels during a stress test.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorHôpital le Vinatier
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bron, AURA)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 24, 2024
Main results expectedFebruary 1, 2027
Study endsFebruary 1, 2028
Registry record updatedMarch 7, 2024
Trial IDNCT06229002 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are right-handed men and women aged 18 to 45 who are French speakers and readers.

Probably not a fit

Patients with current psychiatric disorders, recent traumatic events, or those taking psychotropic medications may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at alpha frequency on the stress response in healthy individuals. Participants will undergo a standardized stress test while receiving tACS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The primary goal is to assess how this stimulation affects cortisol reactivity, a key indicator of stress response, as well as other relevant biological and neuropsychological parameters. The study aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between brain activity and stress management.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new non-invasive methods for managing stress and improving mental health.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of tACS is gaining interest, this specific application in healthy stressed subjects is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Right-handed Men and Women aged between 18 and 45
* If woman, hormonal contraception required
* Having given their written informed consent
* Affiliated with a social security scheme
* French speakers and readers

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to the exposure to exposure to tACS
* Current psychiatric disorder as classified in the DSM-5
* Regular intake of any psychotropic drug or Beta Blocker
* Recent exposure to a traumatic event
* Any debilitating condition making the experimental procedure not feasible
* Pregnancy

Where it's running

  • Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier
    Bron, Aura, France
    Recruiting

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.