Could a Head-Zapping device lift teen depression?
NCT ID NCT07185451
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tACS can help teens (ages 12-18) with major depression when added to their usual medication. Thirty participants will receive either real or sham stimulation daily for several weeks. The goal is to see if tACS speeds up symptom relief and improves mood and thinking, while also checking for side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a safe, non-invasive add-on treatment to help teens with depression feel better faster.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study (30 people) with no placebo control for the device. It is too early to know if tACS truly helps, and side effects are still being assessed.
Disclaimer
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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: •••••@•••••
Locations
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The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, 40000, China
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••