RecruitingPhase 2NCT06901687

Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Home-Based tDCS for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

Sponsor

NYU Langone Health

Enrollment

170 participants

Start Date

Aug 11, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression Multiple Sclerosis

Summary

This project is a double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial. We will recruit n=170 people living with MS, who are experiencing an episode of depression in the context of a major depressive episode (MDE). Using our remotely supervised (RS) tDCS protocol, enrolled participants will complete 30 days of 30-minute tDCS (2.0, DLPFC left anodal) while listening to mindfulness meditation. Over the course of the study, participants will complete assessments of depression and MS symptoms. Participants will be randomized 1:1 active:sham tDCS.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether home-based brain stimulation (tDCS — a gentle, non-invasive electrical brain stimulation) can reduce depression in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sessions are supervised remotely via video. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 65 years old - You have a confirmed diagnosis of MS (relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive) - You have been on stable medications for both depression and MS for at least 30 days - Your MS has been stable (no relapses, no new lesions, no recent steroid treatment) for at least 30 days - You have access to a local doctor who can be contacted if needed - You are comfortable using a mobile device for remote video sessions **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a pacemaker or metal implants in your head - You have active suicidal thoughts or a recent suicide attempt - You have a history of seizures - You have primary progressive MS 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

DEVICEActive tDCS

tDCS is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that delivers a low-intensity electrical current (2.0 mA) through sponge electrodes placed on the scalp. For Active tDCS, the device is programmed to ramp up to 2.0 mA (for 30 seconds), provide constant current throughout session (29 minutes), and then ramp down (for 30 seconds) at the end.

DEVICESham tDCS

tDCS is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that delivers a low-intensity electrical current (2.0 mA) through sponge electrodes placed on the scalp. For Sham tDCS (or placebo) the device is programmed to ramp up to 2.0 mA (for 30 seconds) followed by a ramp down (30 seconds), with no current delivery for 28 minutes, and then ramp up (for 30-s) and down (for 30-s) at the end.

Locations(1)

NYU Langone Health

New York, New York, United States

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NCT06901687

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