Can a stronger jolt to the brain beat treatment-resistant depression?

NCT ID NCT02942368

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This small pilot study tested a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS in 5 adults with major depression that hadn't improved after at least 3 antidepressant trials. Participants received up to 20 sessions of higher-than-usual electrical current over 4 to 6 weeks. The study was terminated early, so the results are very limited and not conclusive.

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 point toward a non-drug option for people with depression that hasn't responded to multiple medications.
What could go wrong: This was a very small pilot study with only 5 participants and it was terminated early. Higher doses may cause side effects, and the approach is still highly experimental.

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.

depressive disorder Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, TREATMENT-RESISTANT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University in Saint Louis

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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