Could gentle brain zaps ease depression? new trial investigates
NCT ID NCT07612501
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tTIS for adults with major depressive disorder. Sixty participants will receive either active stimulation targeting specific brain areas or a sham (fake) treatment over 5 days. Researchers will measure changes in depression symptoms and monitor safety.
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
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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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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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May 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with major depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), by two independent psychiatrists * 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24) total score greater than 20 at baseline * Aged 18 to 65 years * Right-handed * Able to understand the study procedures and willing to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of epilepsy, brain tumor, or brain trauma * Receipt of transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial electrical stimulation, or electroconvulsive therapy within the past 3 months * Presence of metal implants or other contraindications to transcranial electrical stimulation or magnetic resonance imaging * Acute or severe suicidal ideation * Any other condition judged by the investigators to make participation unsuitable for this study
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Zhongda Hospital Southeast University
Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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