NCT05598034 · University of California, Los Angeles
Evaluating tDCS Brain-stimulation in Depression Using MRI
What this study is about
Patients, physicians, and those who fund depression research are keenly interested in depression treatments that do not involve taking medications.
View original scientific description
Patients, physicians, and those who fund depression research are keenly interested in depression treatments that do not involve taking medications. One promising candidate treatment is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a low-cost technique that involves placing electrodes on specific scalp locations and using a 9-volt battery to cause a small amount of electricity to pass through parts of the brain. Depending on the direction of electrical flow, tDCS can make brain cells (neurons) more likely or less likely to generate their own electrical signals. When evaluated as a treatment, tDCS is typically done in daily sessions over a period of two weeks. One of the challenges of tDCS is to work out the best possible positioning of electrodes and direction of electricity flow to gradually cause lasting changes in brain activity in ways that might be expected to improve depression. To address this challenge, the investigators are using MRI to take pictures of the brain during tDCS. This data will help us better understand the short-term effects of tDCS in depression and help us learn how to customize future treatments to cause a lasting beneficial response. Patients with depression between the ages of 20-55 years are eligible to take part in this research. Potential participants will undergo: 1. An assessment to confirm eligibility. This will take place over a secure videoconference call lasting no more than 3 hours. 2. Two in-person study visits lasting 30 min and 2-1/2 hours respectively. In the first visit, the investigators will use the MRI to take a picture of the brain and head structure to determine appropriate locations for placing the tDCS electrodes at the start of the second visit. Following electrode placement, an MRI scan will be performed to take pictures of the brain during tDCS. Depending on the study arm, 1. Participants may receive 'active' or 'sham' tDCS. The 'sham' condition is identical to the 'active' tDCS in every way except that it involves minimal tDCS and is designed to help rule out effects unrelated to the administered tDCS electricity. 2. Participants may also be asked to perform a mental task during MRI.
Interventions
DEVICE
Left DLPFC tDCS
This intervention involves placing non-invasive scalp-electrodes over the left DLPFC brain region to deliver a mild, tolerable electric current.
DEVICE
Right DLPFC tDCS
This intervention involves placing non-invasive scalp-electrodes over the right DLPFC brain region to deliver a mild, tolerable electric current.
BEHAVIORAL
Cognitive task
Participants will be asked to perform a 2-back working memory mental task alongside administered tDCS
Primary outcome measures
Activity changes in the dorso-fronto-limbic brain network
Time frame: Within the 2.5 hour fMRI session
fMRI-BOLD signal within nodes of the dorso-fronto-limbic brain network will be analyzed for activity changes concurrent with tDCS
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age between 20 to 55 years, inclusive
- Gender: all
- Race/ethnicity: all races and ethnic groups
- Capacity to provide informed consent
- Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of ≥17 and \<24, with or without symptoms of anxiety.
- Treatment naïve or on a stable standard antidepressant regimen (including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAIs) or tricyclic's (TCAs)) with no change in treatment 6-weeks prior to and during the tDCS intervention.
- Work at UCLA or live within 1-hr driving distance of UCLA
Exclusion criteria
- Non-English speaking (due to scales administered)
- Substance Use Disorder within last 12 months
- Neurological condition associated with brain abnormalities (e.g., traumatic brain injury; recent stroke, tumor)
- Any contraindication to tDCS (e.g., skin disease or treatment causing irritation)
- Any condition that would contraindicate scanning (metal implants, claustrophobia or a breathing or movement disorder)
- Currently receiving any form of psychotherapy
- Change in antidepressant medication within 6-weeks of starting the trial
- Severe or treatment resistant depression - HAMD scores \> 24 and a history of a major depressive episode lasting \>2- years or failure to 2 or more antidepressant trials in the current index episode
- Any neuromodulation therapy (e.g., ECT, rTMS, DBS, VNS or tDCS) within the last 3-months
- Current or past (within the last 1-month) use of anticonvulsants, lithium, psychostimulant, dexamphetamine
- Current use of decongestants or other medication previously shown to interfere with cortical excitability
- Diagnosis: Schizophrenia Axis I disorder, or dementia of any type
- Bipolar I disorder (due to possible risk of mania and because lithium and anticonvulsants are excluded).
- On regular benzodiazepine medication that it is not clinically appropriate to discontinue for the 2-week duration of the trial
- Depression related to serious medical illness (i.e., mood disorder due to general medical condition) 17. Actively suicidal as defined by a score of 4 on item 3 of HAMD
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations