Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Using brain stimulation to improve thinking skills in people with mental health conditions

Official title: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Neuromodulation of Executive Function Across Neuropsychiatric Populations

Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04296604 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a brain stimulation treatment can help improve thinking skills in people with mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment600 (estimated)
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 2014
Main results expectedApril 2026
Study endsApril 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 10, 2025
Trial IDNCT04296604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include male and female outpatients aged 18-65 with specific neuropsychiatric diagnoses as per DSM-5 criteria.

Probably not a fit

Patients with contraindications to tDCS, active substance dependence, or those who are pregnant or nursing may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on enhancing executive function in individuals with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including traumatic brain injury, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD. Participants will receive tDCS treatment, and their cognitive improvements will be assessed compared to a cohort of healthy controls. The study aims to provide insights into the potential of tDCS as a therapeutic intervention for cognitive deficits associated with these conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved cognitive functioning and quality of life for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in improving cognitive functions in various populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

1. Male and female outpatients 18-65 years of age
2. A diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Contraindication to tDCS: history or epilepsy, metallic implants in the head and neck, brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, shunts, pacemakers, pregnancy.
2. Active substance dependence (except for tobacco and cannabis).
3. Pregnant or nursing females.
4. Inability to participate in testing procedures.
5. Additional exclusion criteria for healthy controls:

   1. Diagnosis of psychiatric of neurological disorder
   2. Ongoing treatment with any psychotropic medications.

Where it's running

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Joan Camprodon, MD, PhD, MPH — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Joan Camprodon, MD, PhD, MPH
  • Phone: 6177265348

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.