Investigating brain stimulation effects on pleasure-seeking behavior in depression
Causal Role of Delta-beta Coupling for Goal-directed Behavior in Anhedonic Depression
This study is testing if a new type of brain stimulation can help people with depression feel more motivated and enjoy life more.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tallahassee, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06132581 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and significant symptoms of anhedonia.
Not a fit: Patients with ADHD or significant neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic approaches for enhancing motivation and reducing anhedonia in patients with depression.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using CF-tACS is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques for treating depression.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Tallahassee, Florida
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Justin M Riddle, PhD
- Email: jriddle@fsu.edu
- Phone: 850-645-2389
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.