By InvitationNot Applicable

tDCS for Stress and Burnout in Higher Education

Portugal60 participantsStarted 2026-02-18

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) works to reduce occupational stress and burnout in university professors. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does tDCS reduce levels of occupational stress in university professors? Does tDCS reduce burnout levels in university professors? Researchers will compare active tDCS to a sham stimulation (a look-alike procedure that contains no active stimulation) and a control group to see if tDCS effectively reduces stress and burnout. Participants will: * Complete questionnaires assessing stress and burnout levels before the intervention * Complete follow-up assessments immediately after the intervention and 5 weeks later During intervention, participans of active tDCS and Sham gruops will: * Receive 10 sessions of tDCS over 4 weeks (excluding weekends), 20 minutes each

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * University staff in active functions * Age equal to or greater than 18 years * Availability for the 10 intervention sessions and subsequent assessments * Voluntary participation with informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications for tDCS, namely pregnancy, history of seizures or epilepsy, neurological or anatomical contraindications, metal implants or brain surgeries * Initiation or change in prescription of psychotropic drugs or anticonvulsants in the last 3 months * Recent active psychotherapy * Diagnosis of psychiatric condition in the last year

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Burnout levels measured by the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-12)

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after intervention completion (approximately 4 weeks), and at 5-week follow-up (approximately 9 weeks from baseline)

Change in Perceived Stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after intervention completion (approximately 4 weeks), and at 5-week follow-up (approximately 9 weeks from baseline)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07411833

SponsorEgas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-06-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Occupational Stress or Workplace Stress trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change in Burnout levels measured by the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-12)

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after intervention completion (approximately 4 weeks), and at 5-week follow-up (approximately 9 weeks from baseline)

Change in Perceived Stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after intervention completion (approximately 4 weeks), and at 5-week follow-up (approximately 9 weeks from baseline)