NCT07226011 Accelerated High-Dose tDCS for Depression
| NCT ID | NCT07226011 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina |
| Condition | Major Depression |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 20 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-12-15 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-08-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 20 participants in total. It began in 2025-12-15 with a primary completion date of 2026-08-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
In this study, investigators are testing whether a higher dose of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can be safely used in people with depression. Participants will come to the Brain Stimulation Lab and receive mild electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on their scalp. The study begins with a safety run-in, where the first few participants will receive stimulation at gradually increasing levels (2, 4, and 6 milliamps) while being closely monitored. If no serious side effects are found, later participants will receive repeated 6 milliamp sessions for 5 days total. Investigators will check skin comfort, mood, and overall tolerability after each session.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-70. * Current MDD diagnosis (MINI v7). * Baseline PHQ-9 \> 9. * Capacity to consent * Fluent English. Exclusion Criteria: * Bipolar or psychotic disorder * Primary anxiety disorders without concomitant major depression as defined above * Current significant suicidal ideation or behaviors require a higher level of care. * Use of neuromodulation therapies (e.g., ECT, TMS, VNS) within the past 6 months. * History of seizures, implanted cranial/ cardiac metal, or neurosurgery. * Use of medications that significantly reduce seizure threshold * Frequent/severe HA * Personal history of head trauma, concussion, or TBI * Catatonic or otherwise unable to perform the consent process * Current alcohol or substance-use disorder (moderate-severe). * Any non-uniformities in the skin under the electrode site, including eczema, severe rashes, hyperhidrosis, communicable skin disorders, sensitive skin (ex. eczema, severe rashes), blisters, open wounds, burns including sunburns, cuts or irritation (e.g. due to shaving), or other skin defects or lesions, as determined by clinical personnel * Pregnancy (urine test required for women of childbearing potential).
Contact & Investigator
Clayton Olash, MD
STUDY DIRECTOR
Medical University of South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07226011 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 70 Years, studying Major Depression. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07226011 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07226011 is actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov or contact Medical University of South Carolina to inquire about joining.
Where is the NCT07226011 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Charleston, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07226011 clinical trial?
NCT07226011 is sponsored by Medical University of South Carolina. The principal investigator is Clayton Olash, MD at Medical University of South Carolina. The trial plans to enroll 20 participants.
Related Trials
Related Intelligence Guides
In-depth guides covering this condition's trials, eligibility, and what to expect.