tDCS for Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment where a small electrical current is applied to the brain using a special headset, done under remote supervision. It targets people with mild to moderate depression to see if it can help improve their mood. The treatment aims to 'reset' brain activity in areas linked to mood regulation.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications), stimulants, and medications that affect heart rate variability like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) safe for humans?
tDCS is generally considered safe for humans, with no serious adverse effects reported in over 33,200 sessions across various studies, including those involving potentially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. However, some studies suggest caution as it could potentially cause harm, and more research is needed to fully understand its safety, especially in specific conditions like major depressive disorder.12345
How does the treatment tDCS for depression differ from other treatments?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is unique because it involves applying a low electrical current to the scalp to modulate brain activity, which is different from traditional depression treatments like medication or talk therapy. This non-invasive method aims to alter brain function directly, offering a novel approach for those who may not respond well to other treatments.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for depression?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Giuseppina Pilloni, PhD
Principal Investigator
NYU Langone Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for 100 people with mild to moderate depression. Participants will use a special headset at home for 10 days, following a remotely supervised protocol. They must not have certain conditions that would exclude them from the study, but specific exclusion criteria are not listed here.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 10 days of 30-minute tDCS sessions using the RS-tDCS protocol, with HR and impedance-based HRV data collection
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Depression
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Chronic pain management
- Research use for various neurological and psychiatric conditions including autism spectrum disorder
- Depression
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Chronic pain management
- Research use for various neurological and psychiatric conditions including autism spectrum disorder
- Depression
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Chronic pain management
- Research use for various neurological and psychiatric conditions including autism spectrum disorder
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NYU Langone Health
Lead Sponsor
National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Collaborator