Brain zaps for depression: scientists hunt for clues in electrical signals

NCT ID NCT05773755

First seen Feb 15, 2026

Summary

This study tests deep brain stimulation (DBS) in 20 people with severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. The device delivers electrical pulses to a brain region called the subcallosal cingulate, which may reset mood circuits. Researchers will record brain signals to find markers that predict who responds best, aiming to personalize future therapy.

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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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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai West

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10019, United States

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) device

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors better adjust DBS settings for each patient, improving depression treatment outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 20 participants, and it is not designed to prove the treatment works. Risks include surgery complications and unknown long-term effects.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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