Using tDCS to improve emotional health in young adults with mild depressive symptoms
Official title: Utilizing Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Alleviate Subthreshold Depression Via Distinct Positive and Negative Emotion Pathways
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07319143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve mood, motivation, and emotion regulation in 18–35-year-olds with subthreshold depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07319143 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 18–35-year-olds fluent in Cantonese or Mandarin, right-handed, with C-BDI-II scores ≥ 13, at least 9 years of education, and no major medical or psychiatric disorders or recent psychotropic medication use.
✕Probably not a fit
People with current or past major psychiatric or neurological disorders, recent psychotropic medication use, pregnancy, brain implants, other tDCS contraindications, or who cannot attend in-person sessions are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Young adults aged 18–35 with subthreshold depressive symptoms (C-BDI-II ≥ 13) are screened online and in person and then randomized to receive active tDCS targeted to either the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, or to receive sham stimulation. Emotional function outcomes such as mood regulation, motivation, and positive/negative affect are compared across the three groups. Key eligibility requirements include fluency in Cantonese or Mandarin, right-handedness, minimum education, and absence of major medical or psychiatric disorders or recent psychotropic medication. The protocol uses noninvasive neuromodulation (tDCS) with standard safety exclusions for brain injury, implants, pregnancy, and recent neuromodulation exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, tDCS could provide a non-drug, low-risk option to reduce depressive symptoms and improve emotion regulation in young adults with subthreshold depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous tDCS studies have shown modest and mixed benefits for depressive symptoms and emotional regulation, but directly comparing left DLPFC versus right VLPFC stimulation for subthreshold depression is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-35 years * Fluency in Cantonese or Mandarin * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing * IQ \> 75% Quantile in Raven's SPM * At least 9 years of formal education * Right-handedness Exclusion Criteria: * Past or current major physical illness or psychiatric disorders * Use of psychotropic medication in the past 6 months * Pregnancy (for women) * Any condition that prevents safe tDCS use (e.g., brain injury, implants) * Previous participation in neuromodulation in the past 3 months
Where it's running
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The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Associate Professor, Principle Investigator
- Email: rshao@hku.hk
- Phone: +852-3917-8927
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.