Effect of high-definition brain stimulation on non-suicidal self-injury

Intervention Effect of High-Definition Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (HD-tACS) on Non-suicidal Self-injury (NSSI)

Not applicable Interventional Anhui Medical University · NCT06127056

This study is testing if a special type of brain stimulation can help teenagers who hurt themselves without wanting to die feel better and understand their behavior better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnhui Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hefei, Anhui)
Trial IDNCT06127056 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) on patients aged 12-18 who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Forty participants diagnosed with NSSI will receive either active or sham HD-tACS treatment over a week, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention. The study aims to explore the underlying neural mechanisms of NSSI using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside neuropsychological evaluations. Participants will be randomized to ensure the reliability of results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-18 diagnosed with non-suicidal self-injury who have not changed their medication in the past month.

Not a fit: Patients with suicidal ideation, neurological disorders, or a history of substance abuse may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel non-invasive treatment option for adolescents struggling with non-suicidal self-injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of HD-tACS is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies in related areas suggest potential benefits, though this specific application is less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

The patients were diagnosed by 2 or more senior clinical psychiatrists, meeting DSM-V criteria, and having 1 or more non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors in the last 6 months.

12-18 years of age.

The medicine has not changed in the 4 weeks prior to or after this study, and if it has to be changed, the treatment medication is required to be at a subtherapeutic dosage level.

Exclusion Criteria:

The patient has suicidal ideation or has committed suicidal behavior

T1 or T2 weighted phase magnetic resonance images show focal brain lesions

patients had neurological disorders such as epilepsy, or serious physical illnesses

patients had a history of substance abuse and drug dependence in the last 6 months or use of anticonvulsant drugs in the last 3 months

patients had received radial cranial electrical stimulation or magnetic stimulation treatment in the last 3 months or received electroconvulsive therapy in the last 6 months

patients had previous significant head trauma or EEG abnormality in the last 1 month

body-mounted devices unsuitable for treatment, such as pacemakers, artificial valves, and other metal implants.

Where this trial is running

Hefei, Anhui

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Transcranial Alternating Current StimulationNon-suicidal Self-injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.