Could a single session of brain zaps and talk therapy lift depression?
NCT ID NCT07507370
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing whether a single session that combines two types of brain stimulation (TMS and tACS) with psychotherapy can safely and feasibly help people with major depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The researchers will enroll 30 adults aged 18-70 with moderate to severe depression. Half will get the real brain stimulation, and half will get a sham (placebo) version, so the study can compare effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) and Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) devices
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a rapid, one-session treatment option for people with depression that hasn't responded to other therapies.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small feasibility study with only 30 people. It is designed mainly to test safety and whether the session can be completed, not to prove it works. The active and sham groups are small, so results may not be reliable.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Carolina Center for Neurostimulation
RECRUITINGChapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••