Could a gentle brain zapping device ease severe depression in down syndrome?

NCT ID NCT06866925

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Hôpital le Vinatier Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help adults with Down syndrome who have depression with catatonia (a state of being unresponsive or stuck). 62 participants will receive either real or fake (sham) tDCS for 15 sessions over 5 days. Researchers will measure changes in symptoms using a standard rating scale and also check safety, thinking skills, and brain activity. The goal is to find a drug-free way to help this group.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug treatment option for depression with catatonia in people with Down syndrome.
What could go wrong: This is a small early pilot study (62 people) with no phase, so results may not be conclusive. The sham group may also show improvement, and long-term benefits are uncertain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

catatonia Down syndrome major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DOWN SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hopital Vinatier
RECRUITING

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 69678, France

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