Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Treatment Resistant Depression

Launched by HOSPITAL DE CLINICAS DE PORTO ALEGRE · Oct 24, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for people who have treatment-resistant depression. Treatment-resistant depression means that a person’s depressive symptoms have not improved after trying at least two different antidepressant medications. The goal of the study is to see if using a portable tDCS device at home can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Participants will use the device daily for 20-40 minutes, allowing them to manage their treatment in the comfort of their own home.

To participate, individuals must be outpatients diagnosed with major depression that hasn’t responded to previous treatments. They should live in Porto Alegre or nearby, and have not changed their medication in the last month. However, those with certain conditions, such as severe mental illness, substance use disorders, or neurological issues, will not be eligible. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it offers an opportunity for those struggling with depression to try a potentially helpful treatment in a more convenient way.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Outpatients
• • Current diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) criteria
• • Presence of depressive symptoms that did not improve after at least two trials of first line antidepressants, for at least four weeks each, in optimized doses
• • Patients living in Porto Alegre or its metropolitan region
• • No changes in prescription in the last four weeks upon entering the trial
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Psychotic symptoms
• • Acute risk, or indication of hospitalization
• • Diagnosis of current Substance Use Disorder (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, sedatives/hypnotics, stimulants, inhalants and others) according to DSM-V criteria
• • Presence of metallic implants or medical devices implanted in the brain
• • Pacemakers and cochlear implants
• • Neurological diseases: epilepsy, malformations
• • History of head trauma or neurosurgery
• • Pregnancy
• • Cognitive impairment severe enough to prevent the operation of the tDCS device without professional assistance