Could a gentle brain current lift teen depression without drugs?
NCT ID NCT07185464
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a non-invasive device that sends a mild alternating current to the brain (tACS) can safely ease depression symptoms in 30 teenagers who have never taken antidepressants. Participants will receive daily sessions over several weeks, and researchers will track mood and anxiety changes. The goal is to see if this drug-free approach can help speed up recovery.
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 drug-free treatment option for teenagers with first-episode depression.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study (30 people) with no phase, so results are preliminary. It may not show clear benefit or could have unknown side effects.
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: •••••@•••••
Locations
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The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, 40000, China
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••