Effect of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Non-suicidal Self-injury

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

Not applicable Interventional Anhui Medical University · NCT06148363

This study is testing if a special brain stimulation treatment can help teenagers who hurt themselves without wanting to die feel 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 IDNCT06148363 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on patients aged 12-18 with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Forty participants diagnosed with NSSI will undergo a structured interview and routine laboratory examinations before and after receiving either active or sham HD-tDCS treatment. The treatment involves 14 sessions of stimulation over 7 days, with assessments including neuropsychological tests and MRI scans to evaluate the intervention's impact and underlying neural mechanisms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-18 who have been diagnosed with non-suicidal self-injury and have exhibited such behaviors in the last 6 months.

Not a fit: Patients with suicidal ideation, neurological disorders, or those who have recently undergone other forms of brain stimulation 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 tDCS is gaining traction, this specific application for non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

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 Direct 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.