Investigating brain stimulation effects on pleasure-seeking behavior in 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 explores the impact of cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation (CF-tACS) on goal-directed behavior in individuals suffering from major depressive disorder and anhedonia. Participants will undergo a series of assessments to determine eligibility, followed by functional MRI scans and randomization into one of three groups receiving different types of brain stimulation over five consecutive days. The study aims to assess changes in behavior and neural activity related to reward-based decision-making tasks before and after stimulation sessions. The overall goal is to understand how specific brain stimulation techniques can enhance motivation and pleasure-seeking in depressed individuals.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 18 and 65
* Able to provide informed consent
* Have normal to corrected vision
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study
* Speak and understand English
* Mild suicide risk as determined by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D; less than 3 for the suicidality item) and non-existent or mild risk according to the Depression Symptom Index Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS).
* Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) greater than or equal to 8 prior to the first session
* Snaith Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) greater than 33 at the first session
* A diagnosis of major depressive disorder on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for the DSM-V (MINI)

Exclusion Criteria:

* ADHD (currently under treatment)
* Neurological disorders and conditions including, but not limited to history of epilepsy; seizures, except childhood febrile seizures; dementia; history of stroke; Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral aneurysm; brain tumors
* Medical or neurological illness or treatment for a medical disorder that could interfere with study participation. For example, unstable cardiac disease, HIV/AIDS, malignancy, liver or renal impairment
* Prior brain surgery
* Any brain devices/implants including cochlear implants and aneurysm clips, cardiac pacemaker, or any other implanted electronic device
* History of current traumatic brain injury
* Pregnancy (for females)
* Current severe substance use disorder
* Claustrophobia
* Based on the use of MRI, additional exclusion/inclusion criteria are considered. Note that many contraindications for stimulation are common with MRI and thus are not repeated. Participants must not have metal in the body that is ferrous, will be required to remove all jewelry, must not have tattoos on the face or neck, must refrain from wearing metal in clothing (underwire) or active gear (possibility of metallic microparticle technology), must not be a metal worker or have an eye injury involving metal.
* Anything that in the opinion of the investigator would place the participant at increased risk or preclude the participant's full compliance with or completion of the study
* DSM-V diagnosis of present moderate or severe substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, and past severe substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, or psychotic disorder within the last 12 months

Where it's running

• Florida State University
  Tallahassee, Florida, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Justin M Riddle, PhD
• Email: jriddle@fsu.edu
• Phone: 850-645-2389

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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.