Can a gentle brain zap ease multiple mental health conditions?
NCT ID NCT07452835
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) can reduce symptoms of major depression, schizophrenia, OCD, generalized anxiety, and insomnia. 320 adults aged 16–65 received multiple sessions over weeks. Researchers measured symptom changes using standard rating scales and monitored for side effects.
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 option to reduce symptoms of several psychiatric disorders.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed early-stage study without a control group, so results may not be definitive. Side effects like skin irritation or headache can occur.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
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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320 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jan 2024
- Finished
-
Jun 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
16 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Age between 16 and 65 years * Fulfillment of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for one of the target disorders * Stable pharmacological treatment for at least four weeks prior to enrollment (if applicable) * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of epilepsy or seizures * Presence of intracranial metallic implants or implanted electronic devices * Severe neurological disorders (e.g., brain tumors) * Pregnancy * Active substance use disorder * Severe cognitive impairment or comorbid psychiatric disorders interfering with assessment
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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
Locations
-
Faculty of Medicine
Cairo, Menofia, 32511, Egypt
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