Evaluating brain stimulation for treating depression

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 study investigates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a non-invasive treatment for major depressive disorder. It involves applying small electrical currents to specific areas of the brain to modulate neuronal activity, with the aim of improving depressive symptoms. The study employs MRI to visualize brain activity during tDCS, helping to determine the optimal electrode positioning and electrical flow direction. Participants will undergo daily tDCS sessions over two weeks, either targeting the left or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 20 to 55 years, inclusive
2. Gender: all
3. Race/ethnicity: all races and ethnic groups
4. Capacity to provide informed consent
5. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of ≥17 and \<24, with or without symptoms of anxiety.
6. Treatment naïve or on a stable standard antidepressant regimen (including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAIs) or tricyclic's (TCAs)) with no change in treatment 6-weeks prior to and during the tDCS intervention.
7. Work at UCLA or live within 1-hr driving distance of UCLA

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy
2. Non-English speaking (due to scales administered)
3. Substance Use Disorder within last 12 months
4. Neurological condition associated with brain abnormalities (e.g., traumatic brain injury; recent stroke, tumor)
5. Any contraindication to tDCS (e.g., skin disease or treatment causing irritation)
6. Any condition that would contraindicate scanning (metal implants, claustrophobia or a breathing or movement disorder)
7. Currently receiving any form of psychotherapy
8. Change in antidepressant medication within 6-weeks of starting the trial
9. Severe or treatment resistant depression - HAMD scores \> 24 and a history of a major depressive episode lasting \>2- years or failure to 2 or more antidepressant trials in the current index episode
10. Any neuromodulation therapy (e.g., ECT, rTMS, DBS, VNS or tDCS) within the last 3-months
11. Current or past (within the last 1-month) use of anticonvulsants, lithium, psychostimulant, dexamphetamine
12. Current use of decongestants or other medication previously shown to interfere with cortical excitability
13. Diagnosis: Schizophrenia Axis I disorder, or dementia of any type
14. Bipolar I disorder (due to possible risk of mania and because lithium and anticonvulsants are excluded).
15. On regular benzodiazepine medication that it is not clinically appropriate to discontinue for the 2-week duration of the trial
16. Depression related to serious medical illness (i.e., mood disorder due to general medical condition) 17. Actively suicidal as defined by a score of 4 on item 3 of HAMD

Where it's running

• University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mayank A Jog, PhD — University of California, Los Angeles
• Study coordinator: Mayank A Jog, PhD
• Email: brainmapping.ucla@gmail.com
• Phone: 424-288-6483

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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.