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Accelerated High-Dose tDCS for Depression
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
In this study, investigators are testing whether a higher dose of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can be safely used in people with depression. Participants will come to the Brain Stimulation Lab and receive mild electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on their scalp. The study begins with a safety run-in, where the first few participants will receive stimulation at gradually increasing levels (2, 4, and 6 milliamps) while being closely monitored. If no serious side effects are found, later participants will receive repeated 6 milliamp sessions for 5 days total. Investigators will check skin comfort, mood, and overall tolerability after each session.
Official title: Accelerated High-Dose tDCS for Depression: An Open-Label Outpatient Pilot Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 70 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2025-12-15
Completion Date
2026-06-01
Last Updated
2026-01-07
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Participants receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using a high-dose (6 mA) protocol delivered twice daily for five consecutive weekdays (10 sessions total). The first three participants complete a Day 1 in-lab dose-escalation (2 mA → 4 mA → 6 mA) with a Day 2 skin integrity check before continuing at 6 mA. All sessions last 20 minutes and are followed by adverse-event monitoring.
Locations (1)
MUSC Brain Stimulation Lab
Charleston, South Carolina, United States