Testing brain stimulation to ease loneliness in older adults with depression
Tests brain stimulation with tDCS in older adults with depression and loneliness.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Treating Loneliness In The Older Adult With Depression With tDCS
Key facts
- Where
- Guangzhou, ChinaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 60 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT06658795, who can take part
Where in China
- Guangzhou Brain HospitalGuangzhou, ChinaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Guangzhou Psychiatric Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT06658795
- Record updated
- 26 October 2024
- Original description
High loneliness is prevalent among older adults and is a significant risk factor for major depression and low recovery rates in patients. Current interventions for loneliness are limited. Previous research has demonstrated a link between loneliness, negative social emotions, and reduced resting-state functional connectivity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and the default mode network (DMN). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promise in enhancing emotional regulation and connectivity, potentially alleviating loneliness in older adults with depression.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Loneliness in Older Adults With Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
High loneliness is prevalent among older adults and is a significant risk factor for major depression and low recovery rates in patients. Current interventions for loneliness are limited. Previous research has demonstrated a link between loneliness, negative social emotions, and reduced resting-state functional connectivity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and the default mode network (DMN). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promise in enhancing emotional regulation and connectivity, potentially alleviating loneliness in older adults with depression.
Inclusion: High loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale > 43); Diagnosis of major depressive disorder confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders; absence of suicidal ideation (Hamilton Depression Scale item 3 score ≤ 1).
Exclusion: Contraindications for tDCS or MRI (e.g., metal implants); Severe neurological diseases; Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, or impulse control disorders; Presence of suicidal ideation.