Ear zap trial hopes to spark motivation in depressed brains

NCT ID NCT07198100

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Bonn Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Sep 30, 2025 · Last updated May 13, 2026 · Updated 32 times

Summary

This study explores whether a non-invasive nerve stimulation on the ear (taVNS) can improve motivation and mood in people with depression, and whether insulin sensitivity (how well the body uses sugar) affects these results. Researchers will recruit 120 participants (60 with depression, 60 without) and use brain scans, behavioral tasks, and real-life monitoring. The goal is to understand the link between metabolism, motivation, and brain stimulation, not to provide a treatment.

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Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Section of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn
RECRUITING

Bonn, 53127, Germany

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Conditions

Explore the condition pages connected to this study.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)