Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Reduce Subthreshold Depressive Symptoms in Young People Aged 12 to 25

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS on young individuals aged 12 to 25 who have subthreshold depressive symptoms. The study aims to understand how tDCS may help reduce these symptoms and to predict individual responses to the treatment. This investigation is conducted with careful monitoring and is sponsored by Guangzhou Psychiatric Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups to receive different types of tDCS or a sham stimulation over two weeks, with 10 sessions total. The first group receives tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the second group targets the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and the third group receives sham stimulation that mimics the procedure without continuous current. Each session delivers a 2mA current for 1200 seconds with specific electrode placements and gradual fade-in and fade-out periods. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at the start, after two weeks of stimulation, and during follow-ups at one and three months. Evaluations include brain network function, depressive symptoms, emotional status, and social interactions. The primary outcome is the effect of tDCS on subthreshold depressive symptoms over these time points. Secondary outcomes focus on understanding the neuroaffective mechanisms and predicting individual treatment response. Safety and symptom assessments are part of ongoing monitoring during the study.

TDCS Interventions for Subthreshold Depressive Symptoms in Young Individuals.