Accelerated Treatment of Depressive Patients With tDCS (NCT07444242) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Accelerated Treatment of Depressive Patients With tDCS
Germany30 participantsStarted 2026-04-01
Plain-language summary
A randomized, controlled three-arm study is planned to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of an accelerated home-based tDCS application (3 weeks of transcranial direct current stimulation at home, twice daily). A total of 30 patients with depression (10 per group), who are currently not taking and have no history of taking antidepressant medication, will be randomly assigned to either an active tDCS condition, a sham (placebo) tDCS condition, or a waitlist control group. The latter two groups will receive active tDCS treatment after completion of the control phase.
This study represents a continuation of the pilot study GSUND DAHOAM (Ethics approval: 20-2091-101; Dragon et al., 2024).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 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:
* Sex: female, male, non-binary
* Age: 18-70 years
* Diagnosis of depression: no current or past psychiatric medication (current episode and history)
* Provision of informed consent to participate
* Sufficient proficiency in the German language
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of contraindications for tDCS (e.g., electrical implants or metallic objects in the body such as a cardiac pacemaker or insulin pump, dermatological conditions affecting the scalp)
* Neurological disorders (e.g., cerebrovascular events, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, brain malformations, or a history of severe head injury)
* Participation in another clinical trial on depression within the 3 months prior to treatment initiation
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
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.
1This trial uses tDCS — transcranial direct current stimulation — to treat major depressive disorder, and it's described as 'accelerated,' so could you explain what that means for how often and how quickly the sessions would happen, and whether that pace would be realistic for my schedule?
2The trial is tracking scores on two depression rating scales over time rather than comparing tDCS to a standard medication or therapy — so what does that mean for how we would actually know if the treatment is working for me personally?
3Since this is listed as Phase NA, which I understand often applies to device or non-drug studies, what is already known about the safety of tDCS at the kind of intensity or frequency this trial might use?
4The trial is actively recruiting right now, but it's measuring 'compliance' as one of its main outcomes — does that suggest they're still figuring out whether patients can stick with this treatment, and what might make it hard for someone to complete the full course?
5Before I consider something like this, would it make sense for me to try a more established first-line treatment for major depression first, or is there a reason my situation might make this trial worth discussing as an earlier option?
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
1
Course of the scores of the Hamilton Depression rating scale (21 Items)
Timeframe: 3 weeks
2
Course of the scores of the Major Depression Inventory