Targeted tACS for anhedonia in older adults with 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 aims to optimize individualized tACS treatment parameters for treating anhedonia in late-life depression. It uses randomized, double-blind, controlled trials to develop precise protocols guided by deep learning. The research will measure short-term (2 weeks) and longer-term (3 months) outcomes on depression and anhedonia with standard scales while monitoring safety. Multimodal data, including EEG and biomarkers, will help explain how tACS changes brain oscillations and neurotransmitter activity to ease anhedonia. The project seeks to establish a first-of-its-kind parameter system for personalized tACS in geriatric depression.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) Patients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) - Clinical Version (SCID-5-CV) to confirm that they met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for "major depressive disorder"; (2) Age ≥ 60 years; gender not restricted; (3) Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD)-17 score \> 24

Exclusion Criteria:

\- (1) History of severe head trauma or serious neurological conditions such as epilepsy; (2) Any brain devices or implants, including cochlear implants and aneurysm clips; treatments such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

(3) Individuals who have undergone other physical modulation therapies within the past 8 weeks, including but not limited to non-convulsive electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation.

Where it's running

• Tianjin Anding Hospital
  Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Daliang Sun Da liang Sun, Doctor
• Email: 474929588@qq.com
• Phone: +86 88188876

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Can tACS modulate motivation and reward signals in cannabis use disorder and depression

  We’re testing whether a gentle brain stimulation method (tACS) can boost motivation and reward responses in adults with cannabis use and/or depression to see if it helps with anhedonia.

  Recruiting Florida State University · Tallahassee, Florida and 1 other locations · NCT07924852

• iTBS to help anhedonia in depression (dual left DLPFC + OFC or left DLPFC alone)

  A brain stimulation study tests whether intermittent theta burst stimulation can help people with major depression who have anhedonia, using both dual-target (left DLPFC and OFC) and single-target (left DLPFC) approaches.

  Recruiting Central South University · Changsha, Hunan · NCT07813169

• How GLP-1 medicines affect happiness and emotional eating in people with obesity

  This study follows adults starting GLP-1 weight-loss therapy to see how their feelings of pleasure and emotional eating change over 6 months.

  Recruiting TC Erciyes University · Kayseri, Melikgazi · NCT07803185

• Reward Sensitivity Digital App for Adolescent Suicidal Thoughts

  A smartphone app is tested in teens to see if daily check-ins and mood-building activities can reduce suicidal thoughts and improve mood.

  Recruiting University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · NCT07661901

• Psilocybin as a New But Simple Test for Residual Anhedonia in Depression

  This study tests whether a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, given with people already on an SSRI or SNRI, can help restore pleasure and motivation in adults with major depressive disorder.

  Recruiting Phase 1 NYU Langone Health · New York, New York · NCT07607938

• L‑serine supplementation and lifestyle factors for brain ageing in older adults with late‑life depression

  This trial tests whether taking L‑serine daily for 48 weeks helps thinking, mood, and brain function in people aged 65–85 with late‑life depression.

  Recruiting IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli · Brescia · NCT07497347

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.