NCT06972368Recruiting
Home-Based tDCS for Depression in BPD
Efficacy Study of Enhanced Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Depressive Symptoms in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 6 May 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
The present study aims to assess the feasibility of home-based tDCS in remote and urban areas (primary objective). The secondary aim is to obtain a preliminary assessment of the efficacy of 14 home-based tDCS sessions in reducing depressive symptoms in BPD patients with moderate to severe depressive episodes and BPD symptoms. Exploratory objectives include assessing the impact on neuropsychological and psychosocial functioning, anxiety, physical activity, sleep disorders, and addiction. Additionally, we aim to investigate the sociodemographic and clinical factors that are linked to the most favorable response to tDCS in addressing both depressive and BPD symptoms. We also aim to assess the feasibility of using a smartwatch as an outcome measure in this population. Finally, we intend to gather preliminary data on the effectiveness of an online psychoeducational program specifically designed for patients with BPD. Researchers will compare active tDCS to sham tDCS to see if active treatment is more effective in treating depression in this population. Participants will: * Receive 14 sessions of either active or sham tDCS over one week, delivered at home * Complete psychological and neurocognitive assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and at 6 weeks * Wear actigraphy monitors and complete questionnaires to assess sleep, physical activity, and other mental health outcomes This trial will also explore the feasibility of delivering tDCS in both urban and rural settings.
- Status (registry)
- Recruiting
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 60 (estimated)
- First submitted
- 22 Apr 2025
- Start date
- 1 Jan 2026
- Primary completion date
- 1 Jan 2027
- Lead sponsor
- Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal
- Diseases
- Depression
- NCT number
- NCT06972368
What you commit to
- Study type: Interventional
- Planned participants: 60
- From 1 Jan 2026 to the primary completion date, 1 Jan 2027
- 1 site in 1 country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Prior treatment
- 7\. To be pregnant. 8. To be currently undergoing neuromodulation treatment. 9. To be currently using benzodiazepines.
Other illness
- \- 1. To have a history of Epilepsy. 2. To have a contraindication for tDCS Medical Devices. 3. To have a history of Cerebrovascular Surgery. 4. To present scalp Conditions Affecting tDCS Electrode Placement. 5. To have a history of bipolar disorder. 6. To present social or medical conditions limiting the autonomous use of remote tDCS.
Who the study is looking for
- To be aged between 18 and 65.
- To meet the DSM-IV criteria for BPD.
- To present a moderate depressive episode, defined as a MADRS score ≥ 20 (V1 and V3).
- To be capable to consent to participate in the study.
- To speak either French or English.
- Participants must have a prescribing doctor or mental health professional responsible
- To maintain a stable psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention.
- To have access to internet an a smartphone.
- To demonstrate proficiency in independently using a tDCS device.
- To be able to pick up and return the remote tDCS device.
Age in the registry: 18 years to 65 years · Sex: All · Does not accept healthy volunteers
Sites (1)
Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUSMM Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | Montreal | Canada | Recruiting |
Related publications
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.