Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 65Years
All Genders
NCT06972368

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

Age: 18Years - 65Years
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

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
Not Eligible

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

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Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

IUSMM

Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H1N3M5

Actively Recruiting

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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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