Tests a brain stimulation device for depression with high inflammation
Tests current-based brain stimulation against sham in adults with treatment-resistant depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: TACS on High-inflammatory and Refractory Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Tianjin, 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 18 and 55 years old?
Source: NCT06812923, who can take part
Where in China
- The 20th ward of general psychiatric departmentTianjin, 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
- Tianjin Anding Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT06812923
- Record updated
- 6 February 2025
- Original description
This study is a randomized controlled trial with a duration of 12 weeks (4 weeks of intervention + 8 weeks of follow-up). The participants are patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and high inflammatory activity (n=52). The study aims to clarify the effectiveness of 15mA, 77.5Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in treating TRD with high inflammatory activity by comparing the changes in depressive symptoms and biological markers after active tACS stimulation versus sham stimulation. Additionally, the study seeks to explore potential underlying mechanisms of action.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Study on Effectiveness and Mechanisms of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Treating Increased Inflammatory Activity Refractory Depression
This study is a randomized controlled trial with a duration of 12 weeks (4 weeks of intervention + 8 weeks of follow-up). The participants are patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and high inflammatory activity (n=52). The study aims to clarify the effectiveness of 15mA, 77.5Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in treating TRD with high inflammatory activity by comparing the changes in depressive symptoms and biological markers after active tACS stimulation versus sham stimulation. Additionally, the study seeks to explore potential underlying mechanisms of action.
Inclusion: (1) Aged between 18 and 55 years; (2) Diagnosed with depression through a structured clinical interview by a psychiatrist using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5); (3) A total score of 17 or above on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), with a score of 2 or more on item 1 (depression); (4) CRP level between 0.85-10 mg/L; (5) DM-TRD score of at least 12.5; (6) Stable use of treatment medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics) for at least 2 weeks during the current depressive episode; (7) Able to understand and sign the informed consent form.
Exclusion: (1) A history of current or past seizures, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, central nervous system tumors, or acute brain injury and infections; (2) A score of 3 or 4 on item 3 of the HAMD-17, or a history of suicidal behavior with significant suicide risk; (3) Received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), tACS, or other neuromodulation treatments within one month prior to enrollment; (4) Pregnant or breastfeeding women; (5) Patients with any severe organic disease or in an unstable condition due to organic disease; (6) Used anti-inflammatory drugs for more than 7 days cumulatively in the last 2 months, or used immunosuppressive drugs, such as corticosteroids; (7) Suffering from chronic infectious or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, enteritis, hepatitis, etc.; (8) A history of substance dependence or substance abuse.