Tests virtual reality relaxation with at-home brain stimulation for depression
Tests virtual reality relaxation added to at-home brain stimulation in adults with depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Virtual Reality-Augmented At-Home tDCS for Major Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Munich, GermanySee 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 65 years old?
Source: NCT07146269, who can take part
Where in Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyMunich, GermanyNo longer taking part
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
- Technical University of Munich
- Trial code
- NCT07146269
- Record updated
- 28 August 2025
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of combining Virtual Reality (VR)-based relaxation and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for treating Major Depression.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Relaxation as an Adjunctive Therapy to Optimize At-Home Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of combining Virtual Reality (VR)-based relaxation and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for treating Major Depression.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
1. Does the combination of VR Relaxation and tDCS at-home result in significantly greater symptom improvement in depression than tDCS alone? 2. Are there differences in treatment effectiveness depending on demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender)? 3. Feasibility: What is the level of acceptance and adherence to the combined VR and tDCS therapy compared to tDCS alone?
In a randomized controlled trial, patients will be assigned to either a tDCS + VR group or a tDCS-only group.
The study protocol is the following:
* On the first day, patients complete baseline questionnaires and are then randomly assigned to either the tDCS-only group or the tDCS + VR group. * Both groups perform home-based treatment five times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. * After two weeks, patients return for a follow-up visit to complete questionnaires and assess adherence, side effects, and clinical progress. * At the end of the four-week treatment period, a final assessment is conducted, including questionnaires and patient feedback. * After 12-16 weeks (i.e. 2 to 3 months after the last tDCS session) Follow Up Assessment (BDI, MADRS, HDRS, GCI, GAF)
Inclusion: At least a moderate depressive episode (MADRS baseline score ≥ 20); Patients aged between 18 and 65 years; Sufficient cognitive abilities to understand study requirements and instructions (MMSE ≥ 27); Stable antidepressant/psychiatric medication for at least two weeks prior to study entry.
Exclusion: Substance use disorders within the last 3 months prior to study entry (excluding nicotine and caffeine dependence); Currently clinically relevant Axis II disorders; Other relevant Axis I disorders (except anxiety disorders); Skin lesions at the site of tDCS electrode placement.