Home-Based Randomized Trial of Spaced Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Part of paid clinical trials in San Diego, California.

Sponsor
University of California, San Diego
Study ID
NCT07834762
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 70 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Spaced Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) — DEVICE
    Spaced-tDCS will be self-administered at home under the supervision of a trained clinical research coordinator using the Soterix Medical mini-CT device with remote monitoring via a secure videoconferencing platform (e.g., Microsoft Teams).
  • Sham Spaced tDCS — DEVICE
    Soterix Medical mini-CT device sham protocol that match real stimulation parameters will be used.

Study Details

This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and neurophysiological mechanisms of home-based spaced tDCS in TRD through a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial conducted under remote supervision. Specifically, this trial will: (1) compare the efficacy of active versus sham spaced tDCS on depressive symptom severity in individuals with TRD and (2) characterize neurophysiological changes associated with spaced tDCS using TMS-EEG, TMS-EMG and resting state EEG.

Key Dates

First listed
Sep 22, 2026
Start date
Oct 15, 2026
Status verified
Sep 2026
Primary completion
Oct 15, 2031
Completion
Oct 15, 2031

Study Design

Enrollment
74 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Active spaced-tDCS
    Active tDCS applies low-intensity electrical current to the scalp to modulate cortical excitability through subthreshold shifts in neuronal membrane potentials, influencing synaptic plasticity
  • Sham Comparator: Sham spaced-tDCS
    Sham tDCS is a placebo control that simulates the physical sensations of tDCS but does not deliver any actual, prolonged electrical current to the brain.

Primary Outcome Measure

Active vs Sham spaced tDCS Efficacy as measured by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Baseline to 4-weeks post treatment ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
UCSD Interventional PsychiatrySan DiegoCalifornia92127
Edith Jimenez
[email protected]
858-657-6149
UCSD Interventional Psychiatry Clinic
858-207-0938

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By research site
UCSD Interventional Psychiatry· San Diego, CA

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