Recruiting
TDCS Interventions for Subthreshold Depressive Symptoms in Young Individuals.
The purpose of this study is to assess the mechanisms of the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in alleviating subthreshold depressive symptoms in young individuals, and individualized outcome prediction is carried out.
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06294184
PhaseNA
Enrollment150
SponsorGuangzhou Psychiatric Hospital
Age12 Years
SexALL
Conditions studied
Subthreshold Depression, Young People, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
About this study
The purpose of this study is to assess the mechanisms of the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in alleviating subthreshold depressive symptoms in young individuals, and individualized outcome prediction is carried out.
Interventions
- Device: tdcs lDLPFC — The current is 2mA, duration is 1200s, fade in 30s, fade out 30s, anode is on the F3, cathode is on the FP2.
- Device: tdcs rVLPFC — The current is 2mA, duration is 1200s, fade in 30s, fade out 30s, anode is on the F6, cathode is on the FP1.
- Device: Sham — The current only persist in the fisrt 30s, duration is 1200s, fade in 30s, fade out 30s, anode is on the F3/F6, cathode is on the FP2/1.
Primary outcomes
- The effect of tDCS in alleviating subthreshold depressive symptoms (2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months)
Eligibility information
Inclusion Criteria:
* 1\) Be between the ages of 12-25;
* 2\) is right-handed on the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory;
* 3\) 2-4 of the 9 depressive symptoms defined by the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Diseases, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), lasting more than 1 week; or more than 5 depressive symptoms lasting more than 1 week but less than 2 weeks (i.e., not meeting criteria for a major depressive episode) (by DSM-5 Clinical Semi-Definitive Interview (K-SADS-PL) (Gilbody et al., 2017, JAMA);
* 4\) Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) 24 points≥ 8 points, \< 24 points;
* 5\) Gender is not limited;
* 6\) Subjects and their families voluntarily participate and sign the informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria:
* 1\) Individuals with the following diagnoses according to DSM-5: psychiatric disorders due to organic diseases, substance-related and addictive disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder (assessed by K-SADS-PL);
* 2\) Have two or more DSM-V-defined manic symptoms for 4 days but do not meet the criteria for hypomania or meet the DSM-V defined criteria for hypomanic symptoms for only 2-3 days;
* 3\) Severe or unstable physical illness;
* 4\) have a moderate or higher risk of suicide (as assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Scale);
* 5\) Received transcranial direct current stimulation in the past three months (continuous intervention time: \>2 weeks);
* 6\) Contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation, such as brain implants, personal or family history of epilepsy;
* 7\) Magnetic resonance scanning is contraindicated, such as in vivo metal implants.
Study locations
- Guangzhou Brain hospital(Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong 510370 China
Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.