Recruiting
tDCS in People With Subthreshold Depression
This study evaluates the effects of multi-session transcranial direct current stimulation on loneliness, mood and depressiveness in people with subthreshold depression.
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06517121
PhaseNA
Enrollment204
SponsorEducation University of Hong Kong
Age18 Years
SexALL
Conditions studied
Subthreshold Depression
About this study
This study evaluates the effects of multi-session transcranial direct current stimulation on loneliness, mood and depressiveness in people with subthreshold depression.
Interventions
- Device: Personalized Experimental Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) — This study will deliver tDCS sessions for a maximum of ten sessions in two weeks' time. Participants will receive 20 minutes of active stimulation with a 2mA intensity over personalized brain regions based on the particular neural correlates of socio-affective processing.
- Device: Sham Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) — This study will deliver tDCS sessions for a maximum of ten sessions in two weeks' time. Participants assigned to the sham control group will only receive 30 seconds of active stimulation.
- Device: Conventional Experimental Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) — This study will deliver tDCS sessions for a maximum of ten sessions in two weeks' time. Participants will receive 20 minutes of active stimulation with a 2mA intensity with anode placed over F3.
Primary outcomes
- Changes in self-reported loneliness (From baseline to after the last tDCS session; from baseline to 3 months after the last tDCS session)
Eligibility information
Inclusion Criteria:
* No histories of learning impairment, major psychiatric disorders including Major Depressive Disorder or neurological disorders
* At least primary school education
* Subthreshold depression
Exclusion Criteria:
* On medication or treatments within 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the study that would affect the individual's brain, cognitive and affective functions
Study locations
- The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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.