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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, 40000, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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