New brain zapping combo aims to curb teen Self-Harm

NCT ID NCT07486804

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Anhui Medical University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether combining two gentle brain stimulation methods—taVNS (applied to the ear) and tACS (applied to the scalp)—can reduce self-injury and impulsivity in adolescents aged 12-18 with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The trial will enroll 90 participants and measure changes in self-injury frequency, impulsivity, and attention bias. It aims to see if the combo works better and more consistently than tACS alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug, brain-stimulation treatment to help teens with NSSI reduce self-injury and impulsivity.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 90 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be small or vary widely between individuals.

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.

Self-Injurious Behavior

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences
RECRUITING

Hefei, Anhui, China

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