Treating Loneliness In The Older Adult With Depression With tDCS
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age60-80
SponsorGuangzhou Psychiatric Hospital
About this trial
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 criteria
Qualifiers
High loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale > 43).
Diagnosis of major depressive disorder confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders.
absence of suicidal ideation (Hamilton Depression Scale item 3 score ≤ 1).
Disqualifiers
Severe neurological diseases.
Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, or impulse control disorders.
Contraindications for tDCS or MRI (e.g., metal implants).
Presence of suicidal ideation.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the Left DLPFC
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the right VLPFC
- Sham stimulation group
Treatment groups
180 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsSponsors and collaborators
Guangzhou Psychiatric Hospital
Lead sponsor
The University of Hong Kong
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov