Causal Role of Delta-beta Coupling for Goal-directed Behavior in Anhedonic Depression
Anhedonia, the inability to seek-out and experience pleasure, is a common symptom in depression that predicts treatment-resistance and is sometimes exacerbated by first-line antidepressants. In our previous research, we found that anhedonia decreases goal-directed behavior and its related neural activity. In this study, we will investigate target engagement from five-consecutive days of stimulation for participants that are within a unipolar major depressive episode and also have high symptoms of anhedonia.
Conditions studied
Major Depressive Disorder, Anhedonia
About this study
Anhedonia, the inability to seek-out and experience pleasure, is a common symptom in depression that predicts treatment-resistance and is sometimes exacerbated by first-line antidepressants. In our previous research, we found that anhedonia decreases goal-directed behavior and its related neural activity. In this study, we will investigate target engagement from five-consecutive days of stimulation for participants that are within a unipolar major depressive episode and also have high symptoms of anhedonia.
Interventions
- Device: Delta-beta tACS via the Neurocare Direct Current Stimulator Multi-Channel 4 — Stimulation will be delivered via the Neurocare Direct Current Stimulator Multi-Channel 4, an investigational electrical non-invasive brain stimulation device that is being used for foundational neuroscience and translational research. The electrical waveform for stimulation was designed to mimic delta-beta coupling in the brain.
- Device: Theta-gamma tACS via the Neurocare Direct Current Stimulator Multi-Channel 4 — Stimulation will be delivered via the Neurocare Direct Current Stimulator Multi-Channel 4, an investigational electrical non-invasive brain stimulation device that is being used for foundational neuroscience and translational research. The electrical waveform for stimulation was designed to mimic theta-gamma coupling in the brain and is used as an active comparator.
- Device: Sham tACS via the Neurocare Direct Current Stimulator Multi-Channel 4 — Stimulation will be delivered via the Neurocare Direct Current Stimulator Multi-Channel 4, an investigational electrical non-invasive brain stimulation device that is being used for foundational neuroscience and translational research. The electrical waveform is randomly selected to be the theta-gamma or delta-beta waveform, but the stimulation is delivered for only a brief period of time of approximately 30 seconds, which is not sufficient to produce a meaningful dose to the brain. This placebo, or sham, stimulation is designed to mimic the sensation of receiving stimulation.
Primary outcomes
- Change in coupling strength between prefrontal and posterior cortex (1 week)
Eligibility information
Study locations
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306 United States
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-10-26.