Antidepressant and Related Neurobiological and Neurophysiological Effects of Add-On Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder with Residual Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial Protocol.

ABSTRACT: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and disabling condition. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may improve symptoms by modulating neuroplastic and inflammatory mechanisms. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will recruit adult outpatients with MDD showing residual symptoms despite at least four weeks of stable SSRI treatment. Participants will be randomized to active or sham add-on tDCS while continuing their antidepressant regimen. The intervention will consist of 15 sessions over 3 weeks, targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (anode F3, cathode F4) at 2 mA for 30 min per session. The primary outcome is the reduction of depressive symptoms measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS), with remission defined as HDRS-17 ≤

SUBMITTER: Concerto C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12566933 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature