Brain zapping study halted early – what it means for mental health
NCT ID NCT02652832
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at how noninvasive brain stimulation techniques like rTMS, tDCS, and ECT change BDNF levels in people with depression or schizophrenia. Researchers took blood samples before and after stimulation to measure BDNF, a protein linked to brain health. The study was terminated early, so the full results are not available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- noninvasive brain stimulation (rTMS, tDCS, ECT)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help explain how brain stimulation works at a molecular level, potentially guiding better treatments for depression and schizophrenia.
- What could go wrong
- The study was terminated early, so results are limited. It was also small and exploratory, meaning findings may not be conclusive or widely applicable.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Hopital Le vinatier
Bron, 69677, France
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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