tDCS to reduce social media craving and problematic internet use
Impact of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation on Social Media Addiction
This project will try transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in university students with moderate-to-severe social media/internet addiction to see if it lowers craving and problematic use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Almada) |
| Trial ID | NCT07410104 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial compares active tDCS, sham tDCS, and a no-stimulation control in university students who score 31 or higher on the Internet Addiction Test. Participants receive repeated supervised tDCS sessions targeting prefrontal regions and complete baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up questionnaires including craving ratings and the IAT. The sham arm mimics stimulation for a short time to control for placebo effects and the no-stimulation arm controls for time-related changes. Recruitment and all supervised sessions occur at Egas Moniz School of Health and Science in the Greater Lisbon area.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) who are university students in the Greater Lisbon area with IAT scores ≥31, able to attend all sessions, and without contraindications to tDCS are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with mild internet use (IAT <31), current serious psychiatric disorders, recent psychotropic medication changes, pregnancy, history of seizures, or metallic brain implants are not eligible and are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-drug way to reduce cravings and help students better control compulsive social media use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials of tDCS for substance and behavioral cravings have shown mixed but sometimes encouraging short-term reductions in craving, though evidence for durable clinical benefit is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years. * Availability to participate in all study phases/sessions. * IAT score ≥31 (moderate to severe level). Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of depressive, anxiety, or bipolar disorders with recent symptoms; schizophrenia; psychotic disorders; or autism spectrum disorder. * Recent psychotropic medication use or dose change within the last 3 months. * Current need for inpatient care or ongoing psychotherapy. * History of dizziness or seizures/convulsions. * Contraindications to tDCS, including pregnancy, metallic implants, tumors, prior brain surgery, or significant anatomical brain alterations.
Where this trial is running
Almada
- Egas Moniz School of Health and Science — Almada, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Paulo Chaló, PhD
- Email: pchalo@egasmoniz.edu.pt
- Phone: (+351) 212 946 700
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.