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Major Depression DisorderNCT07510880

Home tDCS for the Treatment of Major Depression.

A study testing Accelerated protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation, Conventional protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation and Conventional protocol of in person Transcranial direct current stimulation in people with Major Depression Disorder, run by Ionclinics & Deionic SL at 3 sites in Spain.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this multicentric randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness and safety of home-based tDCS for the treatment of major depression versus tDCS treatment in a healthcare centre, and explore the effects of an accelerated home-tDCS protocol. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Major Depression Disorder
What is being tested?
Accelerated protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation, Conventional protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation and Conventional protocol of in person Transcranial direct current stimulation
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
198 participants
Where
3 sitesSpain
Study dates
14 Apr 2026to 31 Dec 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Spanish or Catalan speakers of both sexes between the ages of 18 and 65.
  • Patients diagnosed with major depression, based on the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Specifically, patients will be included who meet the criteria for a major depressive episode with a longitudinal diagnosis of major depressive disorder, single or recurrent episode; or bipolar disorder type 1 or 2. Patients must obtain a moderate or higher score, therefore we establish a lower limit of 15 points on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) (Alonzo et al., 2019).
  • Patients receiving or not receiving pharmacological treatment for depression will be included, and this will be recorded as an additional variable.
  • Have the ability and willingness to commit to the study team for supervision of the intervention sessions and close monitoring of safety.
  • Demonstrate the acquisition of the ability to properly apply home tDCS independently or with the help of a companion.

Who cannot join

  • Patients with psychotic, schizoaffective, or personality disorders (both cluster A and B).
  • Patients with a history of neurological disease, intellectual disability, or cognitive impairment (inability to understand instructions or operate equipment).
  • Any exclusion criteria established by clinical guidelines on non-invasive brain stimulation (Woods et al., 2016): metal implants or head injuries, any electronic devices such as cochlear implants or cardiac pacemakers. Brain stimulation in the last 6 months. Clinical or family history of epilepsy.
  • Patients with dermatological problems, such as an allergic skin reaction at the electrode site.
  • High risk of suicide. Assessed through an interview with a psychiatrist and the use of the Spanish-validated Columbia Suicide Risk Scale (C-SSRS) (Al-Halabí et al., 2016).
  • Drug or alcohol abuse during the study or in the previous 3 months (except for nicotine).
  • Changes in pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment (such as structured psychotherapy) during the study or in the 3 months prior to starting the trial.
  • Pregnancy.

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Ane Miren Gutiérrez Muto, PhD contact

+34960606200

investigacion@ionclinics.com

Ensayos Ionclincs contact

+34674059324

ensayos@ionclinics.com

Spain3 sites, 3 recruiting
  • Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge

    L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08304

    Ionclinics, +34674059324, ensayos@ionclinics.com

    Recruiting
  • Hospital Universitari de Mataró

    Mataró, Barcelona, 08304

    Ionclinics, +34674059324, ensayos@ionclinics.com

    Recruiting
  • Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari

    Sabadell, Barcelona, 08208

    Ionclinics, +34674059324, ensayos@ionclinics.com

    Not yet recruiting

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Home tDCS for the Treatment of Major Depression: A Randomised Clinical Trial

The purpose of this multicentric randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness and safety of home-based tDCS for the treatment of major depression versus tDCS treatment in a healthcare centre, and explore the effects of an accelerated home-tDCS protocol.

The change in depression index at the end of treatment, measured with MADRS, will be the primary outcome.

Being tested
Accelerated protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation, Conventional protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation, Conventional protocol of in person Transcranial direct current stimulation
Keywords
Major Depression, Electric Stimulation Therapy, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Medical subject headings
Depressive Disorder, Major

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Accelerated protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulationDevice

    Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique in which a weak direct current (2 mA) is applied to the scalp via electrodes. The anode will be applied to F3 (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and the cathode to F8 (the contralateral frontotemporal region). The application of tDCS will be carried out at home in this group. Each session will consist of 20 minutes of stimulation. Dose: 3 weeks, daily. (1) 1st week - 3 times per day; (2) 2nd Week - 2 times per day; (3) 3rd week - 1 time per day (total of 42 sessions).

  • Conventional protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulationDevice

    Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique in which a weak direct current (2 mA) is applied to the scalp via electrodes. The anode will be applied to F3 (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and the cathode to F8 (the contralateral frontotemporal region). The application of tDCS will be carried out at home in this group. Each session will consist of 20 minutes of stimulation. Dose: 9 weeks, from Monday to Friday. 1 time per day (total of 42 sessions).

  • Conventional protocol of in person Transcranial direct current stimulationDevice

    Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique in which a weak direct current (2 mA) is applied to the scalp via electrodes. The anode will be applied to F3 (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and the cathode to F8 (the contralateral frontotemporal region). The application of tDCS will be carried out at the medical facilities. Each session will consist of 20 minutes of stimulation. Dose: 9 weeks, from Monday to Friday. 1 time per day (total of 42 sessions).

Study groups in NCT07510880
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Accelerated home tDCSExperimentalHome tDCS applied over 3 weeks (42 sessions)
Receives: Device: Accelerated protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation
Conventional home tDCSActive comparatorHome tDCS applied over 9 weeks (42 sessions)
Receives: Device: Conventional protocol of in person Transcranial direct current stimulation
Conventional ambulatory tDCSActive comparatorAmbulatory tDCS applied over 9 weeks (42 sessions)
Receives: Device: Conventional protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. MADRS

    Mean score change based on Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) of the three arms at the end of the treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: End of treatment: 3 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 9 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

Secondary outcomes (14)
  1. MADRS

    Mean score change based on Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) of the three arms at the end of the second week of treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: 2nd week of treatment.

  2. MADRS

    Mean score change based on Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) of the three arms at 3 months post-treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: 3 months follow-up: 15 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 21 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

  3. HDRS-17

    Mean score change based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) of the three arms at the end of the treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: End of treatment: 3 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 9 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

  4. HDRS-17

    Mean score change based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) of the three arms at the end of the second week of treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: 2nd week of treatment.

  5. HDRS-17

    Mean score change based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) scores of the three arms at 3 months compared to baseline compared to baseline.

    Measured: 3 months follow-up: 15 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 21 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

  6. HARS

    Mean score change based on Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) of the three arms at the end of the treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: End of treatment: 3 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 9 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

  7. HARS

    Mean score change based on Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) of the three arms at the end of the second week of treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: 2nd week of treatment.

  8. HARS

    Mean score change based on Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) scores of the three arms at 3 months compared to baseline compared to baseline.

    Measured: 3 months follow-up: 15 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 21 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

  9. PHQ9

    Mean score change based on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) of the three arms at the end of the treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: End of treatment: 3 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 9 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

  10. PHQ9

    Mean score change based on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) of the three arms at the end of the second week of treatment compared to baseline.

    Measured: 2nd week of treatment.

  11. PHQ9

    Mean score change based on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) scores of the three arms at 3 months compared to baseline compared to baseline.

    Measured: 3 months follow-up: 15 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 21 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

  12. Clinical Global Impression

    Score based on Clinical Global Impression of the three arms at the end of the treatment.

    Measured: End of treatment: 3 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 9 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

  13. Clinical Global Impression

    Score based on Clinical Global Impression of the three arms at the end of the second week of treatment.

    Measured: 2nd week of treatment.

  14. Clinical Global Impression

    Score based on Clinical Global Impression of the three arms at 3 months compared to baseline.

    Measured: 3 months follow-up: 15 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 21 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 Apr 2026
  2. Study start14 Apr 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomized, parallel, double-blind, multicentre clinical trial. Recruited subjects will be randomised into three groups: conventional tDCS at a healthcare centre (control intervention), conventional tDCS at home, and accelerated tDCS at home (allocation ratio of 1:1:1).
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
198 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07510880
Sponsor's protocol ID
PI_2025_05_14_V4
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
6 Mar 2026
Last updated
1 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: In accordance with the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, the de-identified individual participant data (IPD) that underlie the results reported in this study will be shared. The data will become accessible one year after the publication of the primary results and will remain available for five years. Access will be provided to researchers who inquire and agree to a data-use agreement through Ionclinics (investigacion@ionclinics.com/ensayos@ionclinics.com). The data will be de-identified and shared in accordance with applicable regulations and the informed consent provided by the participants.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Accelerated protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation, Conventional protocol of home Transcranial direct current stimulation and Conventional protocol of in person Transcranial direct current stimulation in people with Major Depression Disorder, run by Ionclinics & Deionic SL at 3 sites in Spain.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Ane Miren Gutiérrez Muto, PhD (+34960606200, investigacion@ionclinics.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

MADRS (time frame: End of treatment: 3 week for Accelerated home-tDCS arm; 9 week for Conventional home-tDCS and ambulatory tDCS arm.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 May 2026.

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