Using transcranial direct current stimulation to reduce suicidal thoughts
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Management of Suicidal Ideation in Treatment-resistant Depression : a Pilot Study
Run by Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit · NCT06009523 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation can help reduce suicidal thoughts in adults with depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Faye-l'Abbesse and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 26, 2023 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06009523 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a diagnosis of recurrent or isolated depressive episodes and moderate to severe suicidal ideation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychotic features, high suicide risk, or contraindications to tDCS will 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 aims to evaluate the effectiveness of 15 sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing suicidal ideation among adults diagnosed with depression. Participants will receive tDCS treatment at a consistent intensity and duration, followed by follow-up assessments to monitor changes in their suicidal thoughts. The study will include a thorough screening process to ensure that only eligible patients participate, and it will track their progress over a specified period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment option for individuals struggling with suicidal ideation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in treating depression, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for suicidal ideation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age over 18 years * Written informed consent * Diagnosis of recurrent or isolated depressive episode according to DSM IV criteria (A.P.A. 1994). * Stable antidepressant treatment for 3 weeks * MADRS score ≥ 20 * SSI score \> 3 * Subject affiliated to a health insurance system * Woman with effective contraception and agreeing to maintain it throughout the study period. Exclusion Criteria: * Depression with psychotic features Axis I (DSM IV) co-morbid diagnosis of schizophrenia, alcohol and/or other substance dependence (or abuse) (lifetime) * Patient who has already undergone an electroconvulsive therapy course for the current episode and does not respond to this treatment * Patient deprived of liberty * Patient with high suicide risk (item 10 MADRS \> 4) in the absence of hospitalization * Contraindication to tDCS: intracerebral metallic implant (with the exception of dental implants), cardiac pacemaker, active or non-implanted devices in the region of the head, acute eczema in the planned stimulation area * Pregnant, parturient or breastfeeding woman * Simultaneous participation in another interventional research
Where it's running
-
Centre Hospitalier Nord-Deux-Sèvres
Faye-l'Abbesse, France Recruiting -
Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit
Poitiers, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ghina Harika-Germaneau
- Email: ghina.harika-germaneau@ch-poitiers.fr
- Phone: 05.16.52.61.18
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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.