CompletedNot Applicable

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Different Psychiatric Disorders

Egypt320 participantsStarted 2024-01-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing core symptoms of different psychiatric disorders using validated clinical scales. * To assess response and remission rates. * To evaluate the durability of treatment effects over follow-up. * To examine effects on cognition, daily functioning, and quality of life. * To monitor tolerability and adverse events.

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years – 65 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: * Age between 16 and 65 years * Fulfillment of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for one of the target disorders * Stable pharmacological treatment for at least four weeks prior to enrollment (if applicable) * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of epilepsy or seizures * Presence of intracranial metallic implants or implanted electronic devices * Severe neurological disorders (e.g., brain tumors) * Pregnancy * Active substance use disorder * Severe cognitive impairment or comorbid psychiatric disorders interfering with assessment

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 used tDCS — a form of brain stimulation — across five very different conditions including depression, schizophrenia, OCD, anxiety, and insomnia, so could you help me understand whether the results from this broad study are actually relevant to my specific diagnosis?
2The trial is now completed and was listed as 'Phase NA,' which sometimes means it was more of an observational or early feasibility study — does that mean the safety and effectiveness of tDCS for my condition still hasn't been fully established through larger trials?
3The trial measured outcomes using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, which are tools focused on depression and psychosis symptoms — if my main concern is anxiety, OCD, or insomnia, would these outcome measures even capture whether the treatment helped people like me?
4Before considering a brain stimulation approach like tDCS, are there standard treatments or therapies for my condition that have stronger evidence behind them and that I should try first?
5Since this trial has already been completed, would my doctor be able to access the published results, and if so, what did the data actually show about whether tDCS helped or caused any side effects in patients with my diagnosis?

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

Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale

Timeframe: The assessment period for each participant was 24 weeks from the start of their participation in the study.

Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale

Timeframe: The assessment period for each participant was 24 weeks from the start of their participation in the study.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07452835

SponsorMenoufia University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years – 65 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

Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale

Timeframe: The assessment period for each participant was 24 weeks from the start of their participation in the study.

Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale

Timeframe: The assessment period for each participant was 24 weeks from the start of their participation in the study.