Zapping the brain to beat depression: a new hope?

NCT ID NCT07184697

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Ruijin Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests a new type of brain stimulation for people with treatment-resistant depression. Ten participants will receive both real and sham stimulation in a random order, with a break in between. The goal is to see if this personalized, closed-loop approach can safely improve depressive symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: High-definition closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-ctACS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, non-invasive treatment option for people with depression that hasn't responded to standard medications.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial with only 10 people. The results may not apply to everyone, and the treatment might not work better than a placebo.

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.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Ruijin Hospital

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200025, China

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.