Actively Recruiting
Home-Based tDCS for Depression in BPD
Led by Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal · Updated on 2026-05-06
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
73 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The present study aims to assess the feasibility of home-based tDCS in remote and urban areas (primary objective). The secondary aim is to obtain a preliminary assessment of the efficacy of 14 home-based tDCS sessions in reducing depressive symptoms in BPD patients with moderate to severe depressive episodes and BPD symptoms. Exploratory objectives include assessing the impact on neuropsychological and psychosocial functioning, anxiety, physical activity, sleep disorders, and addiction. Additionally, we aim to investigate the sociodemographic and clinical factors that are linked to the most favorable response to tDCS in addressing both depressive and BPD symptoms. We also aim to assess the feasibility of using a smartwatch as an outcome measure in this population. Finally, we intend to gather preliminary data on the effectiveness of an online psychoeducational program specifically designed for patients with BPD. Researchers will compare active tDCS to sham tDCS to see if active treatment is more effective in treating depression in this population. Participants will: * Receive 14 sessions of either active or sham tDCS over one week, delivered at home * Complete psychological and neurocognitive assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and at 6 weeks * Wear actigraphy monitors and complete questionnaires to assess sleep, physical activity, and other mental health outcomes This trial will also explore the feasibility of delivering tDCS in both urban and rural settings.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Home-Based tDCS for Depression in BPD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged between 18 and 65 years
- Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder according to DSM-IV criteria
- Experiencing a moderate depressive episode with a MADRS score of 20 or higher
- Able to provide informed consent
- Speak either French or English
- Have a prescribing doctor or mental health professional responsible for care
- Maintaining a stable psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment
- Have access to the internet and a smartphone
- Able to use the tDCS device independently
- Able to pick up and return the remote tDCS device
You will not qualify if you...
- History of epilepsy
- Contraindications for tDCS medical devices
- History of cerebrovascular surgery
- Scalp conditions affecting tDCS electrode placement
- History of bipolar disorder
- Social or medical conditions limiting autonomous use of remote tDCS
- Pregnant
- Currently undergoing neuromodulation treatment
- Currently using benzodiazepines
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
IUSMM
Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H1N3M5
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lionel Cailhol, MD, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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