Treating Loneliness In The Older Adult With Depression With tDCS

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Major Depressive Disorder, Loneliness

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06658795

Run by

Guangzhou Psychiatric Hospital

People needed

180

Starts

2024-10-29

Expected to finish

2026-12-30

Last updated by the study team

2024-10-26

Who can join

Age: 60 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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).

You may not qualify if…

• Severe neurological diseases.
• Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, or impulse control disorders.
• Contraindications for tDCS or MRI (e.g., metal implants).
• Presence of suicidal ideation.

Where it is running

• Guangzhou Brain Hospital — Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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