Brain zapping study reveals secrets of Self-Control
NCT ID NCT04247334
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at how the brain controls impulses in 117 healthy young adults. Researchers used a mild brain stimulation technique to temporarily change brain activity and measured the effects with brain scans. The goal was to better understand the brain circuits involved in self-control, which could eventually lead to improved treatments for conditions like addiction, OCD, and ADHD.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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117 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2019
- Finished
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Feb 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 25 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Low (\<1sd below the mean on the BRIEF-Inhibit) or high (\>1sd above the mean on BRIEF-Inhibit scale) 2. English fluency to ensure comprehension of study measures and instructions. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of medical conditions contraindicated for tDCS, including history of any known intracranial pathology, epilepsy or seizures, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, stroke, implanted medical devices, current pregnancy or women of childbearing age not using effective contraception, or any other serious medical conditions or health problems that would interfere with participation (e.g., skin condition) 2. Inability to undergo MRI 3. Current substance abuse disorder 4. Currently prescribed psychiatric medications. 5. Active mania or psychosis
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Butler Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island, 02906, United States
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