TDCS Interventions for Subthreshold Depressive Symptoms in Young Individuals.

Launched by GUANGZHOU PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL · Feb 28, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help young people with mild signs of depression, known as subthreshold depressive symptoms. The researchers want to understand how this treatment works and predict how well it might help different individuals. The trial is currently looking for participants aged 12 to 25 who are right-handed and have experienced some depressive symptoms for at least a week.

To join the study, participants should have 2 to 4 mild depressive symptoms, or more than 5 symptoms lasting less than 2 weeks, but not enough to be diagnosed with major depression. They must also be willing to participate voluntarily. However, individuals with certain psychiatric disorders, severe physical health issues, or those who have recently received similar treatments are not eligible. Participants can expect to engage in sessions where they will receive the tDCS treatment, and their progress will be closely monitored throughout the study. This trial is an important step in finding new ways to support young people struggling with their mental health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1) Be between the ages of 12-25;
• • 2) is right-handed on the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory;
• • 3) 2-4 of the 9 depressive symptoms defined by the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Diseases, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), lasting more than 1 week; or more than 5 depressive symptoms lasting more than 1 week but less than 2 weeks (i.e., not meeting criteria for a major depressive episode) (by DSM-5 Clinical Semi-Definitive Interview (K-SADS-PL) (Gilbody et al., 2017, JAMA);
• • 4) Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) 24 points≥ 8 points, \< 24 points;
• • 5) Gender is not limited;
• • 6) Subjects and their families voluntarily participate and sign the informed consent form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1) Individuals with the following diagnoses according to DSM-5: psychiatric disorders due to organic diseases, substance-related and addictive disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder (assessed by K-SADS-PL);
• • 2) Have two or more DSM-V-defined manic symptoms for 4 days but do not meet the criteria for hypomania or meet the DSM-V defined criteria for hypomanic symptoms for only 2-3 days;
• • 3) Severe or unstable physical illness;
• • 4) have a moderate or higher risk of suicide (as assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Scale);
• • 5) Received transcranial direct current stimulation in the past three months (continuous intervention time: \>2 weeks);
• • 6) Contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation, such as brain implants, personal or family history of epilepsy;
• • 7) Magnetic resonance scanning is contraindicated, such as in vivo metal implants.