Evaluating brain stimulation for treating depression
Optimization of tDCS Brain Network Engagement in Depression
This study is testing if a new brain stimulation treatment can help people with major depression feel better by using small electrical currents on specific areas of the brain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05598034 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 to 55 with moderate major depressive disorder who are either treatment-naïve or on a stable antidepressant regimen.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological conditions, substance use disorders, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, non-pharmacological treatment option for patients with depression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with tDCS in treating depression, indicating that this approach is gaining traction in the field.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.