Using brain stimulation to treat depression in older adults
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Depression
This study is testing if a brain stimulation treatment can help older adults with depression who haven't found relief from regular medications.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06187454 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an additive treatment for elderly patients with late-life depression who have not responded to standard antidepressant therapy. Participants will receive either active tDCS or a sham treatment to assess improvements in depressive symptoms. The study aims to provide insights into the potential of tDCS as a safe and effective alternative for those who are resistant to or intolerant of traditional pharmacotherapy. The focus is on the prefrontal cortex, which is believed to play a crucial role in mood regulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly individuals diagnosed with major depression who have not benefited from antidepressant medications.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depression, a history of ineffectiveness with tDCS, or those with contraindications for the treatment will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new, non-invasive treatment option for elderly patients suffering from depression who do not respond to medications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for tDCS in treating depression, but this specific application in the elderly population is less explored and may provide novel insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants who meet the criteria of major depression defined by DSM-5 criteria 2. Participants will be non-responders and taking an antidepressant of adequate dose and for ≥4 weeks in the current episode which has not led to sufficient clinical improvement (defined as a minimum level of 2 on the ATHF); or can't tolerate the adverse effects of antidepressant in the current episode 3. Ambulatory participants with or without any aiding device Exclusion Criteria: 1. An urgent risk of suicide or severe depression 2. A history of ineffectiveness with tDCS 3. People who are clinically contraindicated to receive tDCS intervention or MRI assessment, such as having any brain lesion, intracranial implants (clips, cochlear implants), a tattoo or metal embedded in their scalp or brain 4. Any instable medical condition 5. A history of epilepsy, 6. A history of substance use (within one year) 7. People with dementia or psychotic disorder. 8. Any condition which would make the subject unsuitable for the study under the physician's assessment.
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- TaipeiVGH — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mu-N Liu, PhD
- Email: liumuen@gmail.com
- Phone: 0938595767
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.