Transcranial direct current stimulation for people with subthreshold depression

Personalised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Reduce Daily Loneliness in People With Subthreshold Depression

NA · Education University of Hong Kong · NCT06517121

This study is testing whether a special brain stimulation treatment can help people with mild depression feel less lonely and improve their mood.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment204 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEducation University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06517121 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of multi-session transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on loneliness, mood, and depressive symptoms in individuals experiencing subthreshold depression. Participants will be divided into three groups: a personalized tDCS group, a conventional tDCS group, and a sham control group. Each participant will undergo 10 sessions of tDCS, with assessments of their depression symptoms, loneliness, and mood conducted before, immediately after, and three months post-intervention. Functional MRI scans will also be performed to assess brain activity and connectivity related to the treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with subthreshold depression who do not have major psychiatric or neurological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with major depressive disorder or those currently on medication affecting brain function may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel non-invasive treatment option for individuals suffering from subthreshold depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in treating various forms of depression, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* No histories of learning impairment, major psychiatric disorders including Major Depressive Disorder or neurological disorders
* At least primary school education
* Subthreshold depression

Exclusion Criteria:

* On medication or treatments within 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the study that would affect the individual's brain, cognitive and affective functions

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Subthreshold Depression

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.