tDCS over DLPFC vs DMPFC for 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 randomized, double-blind study compares two tDCS target regions—the DLPFC and the DMPFC—in inpatients with depression. Participants receive non-invasive brain stimulation using a simple, low-cost approach and are assigned to one of the target sites to see which approach offers greater mood improvement. The trial emphasizes safety, tolerability, and effects on emotional regulation as assessed by neuropsychological scales. Conducted at The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, it focuses on adults aged 18–65 meeting DSM-5 criteria for depression. The design aims to clarify whether targeting the DLPFC or DMPFC yields differential benefits for emotional regulation in depression.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* The diagnosis meets the criteria for depression outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
* Age between 18 and 65 years.
* Education level exceeding 5 years, with no significant hearing or visual impairments.
* Voluntary signing of informed consent and ability to cooperate with general demographic data collection and neuropsychological scale testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age under 18 or over 65.
* Patients with neurological disorders such as epilepsy or severe physical illnesses.
* Patients with comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
* Patients unable to undergo tDCS treatment for any reason, including presence of ferromagnetic metal in the head or implanted medical devices in the head/neck region.
* Pregnant or lactating women.

Where it's running

• The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
  Hefei, Anhui, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yanghua Tian
• Email: tianyh@ahmu.edu.cn
• Phone: +86-13955188448

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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.