NCT06980090 · Trustees of Dartmouth College
Neural Mechanisms of Interpersonal Expectations on Negative Affect
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether non-invasive brain stimulation, called transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS), can reduce negative affect, and how expectations shaped by care providers influence these effects.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether non-invasive brain stimulation, called transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS), can reduce negative affect, and how expectations shaped by care providers influence these effects. The main questions this study aims to answer are: (1)Does active tTIS reduce negative affect more effectively than sham (inactive) tTIS? (2)Do positive treatment expectations enhance the effects compared to negative expectations? Participants will: (1) Receive either active or sham tTIS. (2) Be provided with positive or negative messaging regarding treatment effectiveness. (3) Interact with care providers and complete assessments measuring negative affect and physiological responses.
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
- 'Doctors' are recruited from medical students at the Geisel School of Medicine and resident physicians at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC).
Exclusion criteria
- No self-reported current or history of depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric diagnosis
- No self-reported current seizure disorder (i.e., seizure within past 10 years), or history of stroke or other major neurological diagnosis that can cause cognitive impairment
- No self-reported current chronic pain, or acute pain within three months of the study period
- No current migraine disorder (i.e., 15 headache days or more in 1 month)
- No use of central nervous system-effective medication or other medication for neurological/psychiatric treatment
- No self-reported substance abuse within the last six months
- No contraindication to MRI or tTIS (e.g., pregnancy, claustrophobia, pacemakers, ear/cochlear implants, shrapnel injuries, clips, or other ferromagnetic/electrical objects/devices, diagnosed brain abnormality such as tumor, or skin lesions on the scalp.)
- No contraindications for induced pain (e.g., no heart disease, high blood pressure, heart surgery, heart problems of any kind, severe asthma, respiratory problems of any kind, fibromyalgia, Raynaud's Syndrome or Disease, chronic pain, diabetes)
- Participants must be capable of performing experimental tasks (e.g., are able to read), are fluent or native speakers of English
- Participants must be able to tolerate the maximum level of thermal pain stimuli (for thermal stimuli)
Where
- Hanover, New Hampshire
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 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations