RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06658795

Treating Loneliness In The Older Adult With Depression With tDCS

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Loneliness in Older Adults With Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Guangzhou Psychiatric Hospital

Enrollment

180 participants

Start Date

Oct 29, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder Loneliness

Summary

High loneliness is prevalent among older adults and is a significant risk factor for major depression and low recovery rates in patients. Current interventions for loneliness are limited. Previous research has demonstrated a link between loneliness, negative social emotions, and reduced resting-state functional connectivity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and the default mode network (DMN). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promise in enhancing emotional regulation and connectivity, potentially alleviating loneliness in older adults with depression.

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation — mild electrical pulses applied to the scalp) to help older adults who are both depressed and severely lonely. The goal is to reduce loneliness and improve mood. **You may be eligible if...** - You are an older adult with a confirmed diagnosis of major depression - You score highly on a loneliness scale (UCLA Loneliness Scale score above 43) - You do not have active thoughts of suicide **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a severe neurological disease - You have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, or impulse control disorders - You have metal implants in your head or other reasons you cannot receive tDCS or MRI - You have current suicidal thoughts Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICETranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the Left DLPFC

The tDCS parameters were set to a current of 2mA for a single session lasting 20 minutes. For stimulating the lDLPFC, the positive electrode was placed at position F3, and the negative electrode was placed in the right supraorbital area/FP2 (e.g., Dubreuil-Vall et al., 2021, Biol Psychiatry: CNNI).

DEVICETranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the right VLPFC

The tDCS parameters were set to a current of 2mA for a single session lasting 20 minutes. Based on the EEG 10-20 international system, the positive electrode for stimulating the rVLPFC was placed at position F6, while the negative electrode was placed in the left supraorbital area/FP1 (e.g., He et al., 2020, Psychol Med)

DEVICESham stimulation group

The electrode positions were randomized to match those of the rVLPFC or lDLPFC groups, but the stimulation only lasted for the first 30 seconds.