Using HD-tDCS to enhance ECT for treating depression
Effect of High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) Assisted Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Depression Disorder
This study is testing if adding a special brain stimulation technique to electroconvulsive therapy can help people with depression feel better while reducing memory problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Anhui Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hefei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06109480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) combined with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to improve treatment outcomes for patients with depressive disorder. Depression, affecting millions globally, often requires ECT, which can impair cognitive functions. The trial will involve 60 patients diagnosed with depression who will be randomized into three groups: one receiving ECT with real HD-tDCS, another with sham stimulation, and a control group receiving standard ECT. The goal is to assess whether HD-tDCS can maintain ECT's efficacy while reducing cognitive side effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 diagnosed with major depressive disorder who meet specific criteria for ECT treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with severe somatic diseases, other neurological or mental disorders, or those who have had ECT in the past three months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the effectiveness of ECT while minimizing cognitive impairments for patients with depression.
How similar studies have performed: While ECT is a well-established treatment, the combination with HD-tDCS is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * the patients were diagnosed by more than 2 psychiatrists and met the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5 for depression, and HAMD\>17. * Meets the ECT treatment indication * the age ranged from 18 to 60 years old, and the length of education was more than 5 years. * the visual acuity or corrected visual acuity is normal, right-handed, can cooperate with the completion of various experimental tests. Exclusion Criteria: * accompanied by severe somatic diseases, such as severe heart, liver, renal insufficiency and so on. * accompanied by other neurological diseases, such as stroke, epilepsy and so on. pregnant and lactating women. * accompanied by other mental disorders, such as drug abuse, schizophrenia, schizophrenic affective disorder, hysteria, autism and so on. * with a history of ECT treatment within the past 3 months
Where this trial is running
Hefei
- Anhui Medical University — Hefei, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kai Wang, PhD
- Email: wangkai1964@126.com
- Phone: +86-0551-62923704
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.