RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07152925

The Impact of Beta-band Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) on Impulse Inhibition in Adolescents With Non-suicidal Self-injury

Sponsor

Anhui Medical University

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Mar 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression Disorders

Summary

This clinical trial aims to determine whether beta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can improve impulse inhibition in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and to evaluate its safety. The primary questions it seeks to answer are: * Can beta-band tACS significantly reduce the frequency of self-injury and scores on impulsivity scales in adolescents with NSSI? * What discomfort or medical issues may participants experience during tACS intervention? Researchers will compare beta-band tACS with sham stimulation (a procedure that mimics the real stimulation without delivering effective current) to verify its efficacy. Participants will: * Receive two sessions of either tACS or sham stimulation daily, spaced 4 hours apart, for 7 consecutive days (14 sessions in total). * Undergo scale assessments, behavioral tasks, and eye-tracking tests before and after the intervention. * Record any self-injury episodes and adverse reactions, with continuous monitoring and psychological support provided by a professional team.

Eligibility

Min Age: 12 YearsMax Age: 22 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a type of mild brain stimulation called tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulation) on adolescents who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (hurting themselves without wanting to die). Researchers want to see if this technique can improve impulse control. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 12 and 18 years old - You have a documented pattern of non-suicidal self-injury (at least 5 incidents, including at least one in the past month) - You are right-handed - You have normal or corrected vision - A legal guardian has provided written consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have scored below 26 on a cognitive assessment - You have a history of suicide attempts - You have epilepsy, brain surgery, metal implants in the skull, or significant head trauma - You have a substance use disorder, brain injury, or other major psychiatric condition - You have received tDCS, tACS, or rTMS brain stimulation in the past 3 months 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

DEVICEBeta-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation

Active beta-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation: 20 Hz tACS delivered through a 4×1-ring high-definition electrode montage centered on left DLPFC (F3), 2 mA peak-to-peak, 100 % intensity, gradually ramped up over 30 s, maintained for 20 min, then ramped down over 30 s; two sessions per day with at least 4 h between sessions, repeated for 7 consecutive days (14 total sessions).

DEVICEsham beta-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation

Sham transcranial alternating current stimulation: identical 4×1-ring high-definition electrode montage centered on left DLPFC (F3), 2 mA peak-to-peak current ramped up over 30 s and immediately ramped down to 0 mA, followed by 19.5 min of no stimulation to match the 20-min session duration of active tACS; delivered twice daily (≥4 h apart) for 7 consecutive days (14 total sessions).