Investigating the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Individualized tACS Targeting Anhedonia in Late-Life… (NCT07637773) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Investigating the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Individualized tACS Targeting Anhedonia in Late-Life Depression
China80 participantsStarted 2026-03-16
Plain-language summary
This project focuses on clinical translational research into personalized transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) for treating anhedonia in late-life depression (LLD). Key components include: (1) Optimizing individualized tACS treatment parameters through randomized, double-blind, controlled trials and establishing precise treatment protocols using deep learning algorithms; (2) Assessing the short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (3 months) efficacy of tACS on depressive symptoms and anhedonia using scales such as the HAMD, SHAPS, and DARS, while monitoring safety; (3) Integrating multimodal detection technologies (64-channel EEG, inflammatory factors/neurotransmitters, etc.) to elucidate the mechanisms by which tACS alleviates anhedonia through modulating prefrontal neural oscillations (y-band), improving synaptic plasticity (increased BDNF), and regulating neurotransmitters (5-HT, DA). This study will establish, for the first time, an individualized parameter system for tACS treatment of LLD, providing a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for clinical practice.
Who can participate
Age range
60 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:
* (1) Patients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) - Clinical Version (SCID-5-CV) to confirm that they met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for "major depressive disorder"; (2) Age ≥ 60 years; gender not restricted; (3) Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD)-17 score \> 24
Exclusion Criteria:
\- (1) History of severe head trauma or serious neurological conditions such as epilepsy; (2) Any brain devices or implants, including cochlear implants and aneurysm clips; treatments such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
(3) Individuals who have undergone other physical modulation therapies within the past 8 weeks, including but not limited to non-convulsive electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation.
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.