Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Adults with Major Depressive Disorder A Multi-Centre Randomized Trial Comparing tDCS Plus Standard Care to Standard Care Alone

What this Trial Is About

Major depressive disorder MDD is a common and challenging condition often treated with antidepressants and talking therapies, but many people remain unwell despite these options. This research evaluates whether home-based transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can be an effective treatment for adults with MDD when added to their usual care. The study is a multi-centre, randomized controlled trial assessing both clinical and cost-effectiveness of home-based tDCS combined with standard care compared to standard care alone. Participants are randomly assigned to either continue their usual treatment, such as psychotherapy or antidepressant medication, or to receive active tDCS at home in addition to usual care. The tDCS treatment involves using a headset with electrodes placed on specific brain regions for 36 sessions over 10 weeks, with 5 sessions per week during the first 3 weeks and 3 sessions per week for the following 7 weeks. Stimulation lasts 30 minutes per session with a gradual ramp-up and ramp-down. During the study, participants will be assessed regularly using depression rating scales like the Montgomery-sberg Depression Rating Scale MADRS at 10 weeks and 6 months to measure changes in depressive symptoms. After the 6-month follow-up, all participants can choose to start or continue tDCS treatment for an additional 3 months. The study includes safety monitoring, quality of life assessments, and evaluation of treatment acceptability, with the total follow-up lasting 9 months from the treatment start.

Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation In Major Depressive Disorder (HOME)