Can a stronger jolt to the brain beat treatment-resistant depression?
NCT ID NCT02942368
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.
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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Locations
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Washington University in Saint Louis
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States