Brain zap tunes heart and gut: new hope for depression?

NCT ID NCT06748274

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Bern Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study tested whether noninvasive brain stimulation can be personalized by measuring heart rate responses. Researchers mapped the scalp to find the best spot for stimulation in 34 healthy participants and people with depression, anxiety, and gut issues. They compared two techniques—TMS and tDCS—and measured heart, gut, and sweat responses. The goal is to make depression treatment more effective and accessible.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to more personalized and effective brain stimulation treatments for depression by targeting the right spot on the scalp.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers and a few people with symptoms. The approach may not work in larger, more diverse groups or improve depression outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression dysautonomia dyspepsia functional gastric disease major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTONOMOUS DYSFUNCTION FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA MAJOR DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern

Bern, Canton of Bern, 3000, Switzerland

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