🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-07-10

Accelerated High-Dose tDCS for Depression (NCT07226011)

Accelerated High-Dose tDCS for Depression: An Open-Label Outpatient Pilot Study

🟢 Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ⚙️ Medical Device Protocol Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

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.

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (5 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (13 items).

Location: MUSC Brain Stimulation Lab — Charleston, South Carolina

Age range: 18 Years to 70 Years

🧪 Interventions in This Study

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Bipolar or psychotic disorder
  • Primary anxiety disorders without concomitant major depression as defined above
  • Current significant suicidal ideation or behaviors require a higher level of care.
  • Use of neuromodulation therapies (e.g., ECT, TMS, VNS) within the past 6 months.
  • History of seizures, implanted cranial/ cardiac metal, or neurosurgery.
  • Use of medications that significantly reduce seizure threshold
  • Frequent/severe HA
  • Personal history of head trauma, concussion, or TBI
  • Catatonic or otherwise unable to perform the consent process
  • Current alcohol or substance-use disorder (moderate-severe).
  • Any non-uniformities in the skin under the electrode site, including eczema, severe rashes, hyperhidrosis, communicable skin disorders, sensitive skin (ex. eczema, severe rashes), blisters, open wounds, burns including sunburns, cuts or irritation (e.g. due to shaving), or other skin defects or lesions, as determined by clinical personnel

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • MUSC Brain Stimulation Lab — Charleston, South Carolina

📞 Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (502) 377-8275

Email: olash@musc.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
  • 💵 Compensation indicated: 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.

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💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗