Major Depressive DisorderDEBRANCT05084924
Investigating the Causal Role of Prefrontal Control in Decision-making in Patients With Anhedonia
A study testing Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus in people with Major Depressive Disorder and Anhedonia, run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Investigating whether delta-beta cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation can increase goal-directed behavior in participants with major depressive disorder and elevated symptoms of anhedonia. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Major Depressive Disorder, Anhedonia
- What is being tested?
- Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 35 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 2 Nov 2021to 31 Jul 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Able to provide informed consent
- Have normal to corrected vision
- Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study
- Speak and understand English
- Low suicide risk as determined by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D; less than 3 for the suicidality item).
- Negative pregnancy test for female participants
- Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) with 9 items greater than or equal to 10 and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
Who cannot join
- Attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (currently under treatment)
- Neurological disorders and conditions, including, but not limited to: History of epilepsy, seizures (except childhood febrile seizures), dementia, history of stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral aneurysm, brain tumors
- Medical or neurological illness or treatment for a medical disorder that could interfere with study participation (e.g., unstable cardiac disease, HIV/AIDS, malignancy, liver or renal impairment)
- Prior brain surgery
- Any brain devices/implants, including cochlear implants and aneurysm clips
- History of current traumatic brain injury
Show all 12Show fewer
- (For females) Pregnant or breast feeding
- Anything that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the participant at increased risk or preclude the participant's full compliance with or completion of the study
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5 diagnosis of present moderate or severe substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, and past severe substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, or psychotic disorder within the last 12 months
- Not taking medications for attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder or benzodiazepines as these medications often produce specific EEG activity that may disrupt our interpretation of the findings
- If major depressive disorder is experienced in episode, the participant must currently be within a depressive episode.
- Contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): ferrous metal inside the body, jewelry must be removable, pacemaker or cochlear implant.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
About this study
Official title: Causal Role of Delta-beta Coupling for Goal-directed Behavior in Anhedonia
Investigating whether delta-beta cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation can increase goal-directed behavior in participants with major depressive disorder and elevated symptoms of anhedonia.
Read the detailed description
The purpose of this clinical trial is to investigate the causal role that delta-beta coupling plays in goal-directed behavior in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) and symptoms of anhedonia. The participants will perform a reward-based decision-making task. During the task, cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) will be delivered at delta-beta frequency, a control-frequency, or an active sham. Electroencephalography will be collected in intermittent resting-state periods. Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be collected during the resting-state and during performance of the task.
- Conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Anhedonia
- Being tested
- Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus
- Keywords
- transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation, Goal-directed behavior, Cross-frequency coupling, Reward-based decision-making
- Medical subject headings
- Depressive Disorder, Major, Anhedonia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator PlusDevice
Stimulation will be delivered via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus, an investigational electrical non-invasive brain stimulation device that is being used for foundational neuroscience and translational research.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Delta-beta tACS | Experimental | The study is investigating the use of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The stimulation is delivered at 1 milliampere (mA) zero-to-peak amplitude at the target electrodes and 2 mA zero to-peak amplitude at the return electrode. For the experimental arm, the tACS will be delivered using the cross-frequency stimulation waveform delta-beta (3-20Hz). Receives: Device: Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus |
| Theta-gamma tACS | Active comparator | This arm serves as an active control where tACS will be delivered using the cross-frequency stimulation waveform theta-gamma (5-50Hz). Receives: Device: Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus |
| Active-sham tACS | Sham comparator | For active sham stimulation, either delta-beta or theta-gamma stimulation is delivered for 10 seconds and then returns to baseline. This is intended to mimic the skin sensations (e.g., itching, burning, tingling) that are experienced at the onset of stimulation, assisting with blinding the participant's assignment. Receives: Device: Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in the Percentage of Trials That the Participant Chooses to Perform the Hard Task
In the Expenditure of Effort for Reward Task, participants are faced with a decision on every trial: to choose an easy task with a low effort exertion for a chance at winning a low amount of money or a hard task with a high effort exertion for a chance at winning a greater amount of money. The incentive for the high effort exertion is changed on each trial and the participant gets physically tired from repeated effort exertion. Goal-directed behavior was calculated as the percentage of trials in which the participant decides to perform the high effort exertion. The average of the 4 blocks prior to stimulation served as a baseline (1st hour). The effect of the intervention was the average of the next 8 blocks during stimulation (hours 2 through 3).
Measured: Baseline (Hour 1), Stimulation (Hours 2 through 3)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Coupling Strength Between Low-frequency Prefrontal Signals and High-frequency Posterior Signals
Coupling strength was estimated using the Mean Vector Length calculation between the phase of low-frequency electrical activity in prefrontal electrodes and amplitude of high-frequency activity in posterior cortex. A hybrid signal was created using high-frequency amplitude and low-frequency phase. The magnitude of the average of this signal over time is the coupling strength. Coupling strength was normalized using a z-transformation relative to a null distribution generated by randomly time-shifting the high-frequency data relative to the low-frequency data (z-score). A value of zero represents no coupling. A higher value represents greater coupling strength, which is generally associated with better cognition. Values range from -3 to 3 and a score greater than 1.6 means the coupling is present. The average of the 4 blocks prior to stimulation served as a baseline (1st hour). The effect of the intervention was the average of the next 8 blocks during stimulation (hours 2 through 3).
Measured: Baseline (Hour 1), Stimulation (Hours 2 through 3)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Oct 2021
- Study start2 Nov 2021
- Primary completion31 Jul 2023
- Study completion31 Jul 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Other trials for Major Depressive DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of North Carolina, Chapel HillThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomized into one of three arms of the study: delta-beta tACS, control tACS in theta-gamma, or active sham. Randomization is stratified by SHAPS level such that there are an equal number of participants that are high anhedonia (SHAPS \> 33) and low anhedonia (SHAPS \<=33).
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Flavio Frohlich, Principal investigator, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05084924
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 21-1321
- Other IDs
- 1K99MH126161-01A1
- Acronym
- DEBRA
- Status last verified
- Sep 2023
- First submitted
- 6 Oct 2021
- Last updated
- 25 Jun 2024
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Deidentified individual data that supports the results will be shared beginning 9 to 36 months following publication provided the investigator who proposes to use the data has approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB), Independent Ethics Committee (IEC), or Research Ethics Board (REB), as applicable, and executes a data use/sharing agreement with UNC.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jun 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Causal Role of Delta-beta Coupling for Goal-directed Behavior in Anhedonia
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05084924
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DEBRA / 21-1321
- Conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Anhedonia
- Keywords
- transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation, Goal-directed behavior, Cross-frequency coupling, Reward-based decision-making
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of North Carolina, Chapel HillUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Study start
- 2 Nov 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Oct 2021 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 25 Jun 2024
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Investigating whether delta-beta cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation can increase goal-directed behavior in participants with major depressive disorder and elevated symptoms of anhedonia.
Detailed description
The purpose of this clinical trial is to investigate the causal role that delta-beta coupling plays in goal-directed behavior in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) and symptoms of anhedonia. The participants will perform a reward-based decision-making task. During the task, cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) will be delivered at delta-beta frequency, a control-frequency, or an active sham. Electroencephalography will be collected in intermittent resting-state periods. Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be collected during the resting-state and during performance of the task.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants are randomized into one of three arms of the study: delta-beta tACS, control tACS in theta-gamma, or active sham. Randomization is stratified by SHAPS level such that there are an equal number of participants that are high anhedonia (SHAPS > 33) and low anhedonia (SHAPS <=33).
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Delta-beta tACS | Experimental | Device: Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator PlusThe study is investigating the use of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The stimulation is delivered at 1 milliampere (mA) zero-to-peak amplitude at the target electrodes and 2 mA zero to-peak amplitude at the return electrode. For the experimental arm, the tACS will be delivered using the cross-frequency stimulation waveform delta-beta (3-20Hz). |
| Theta-gamma tACS | Active comparator | Device: Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator PlusThis arm serves as an active control where tACS will be delivered using the cross-frequency stimulation waveform theta-gamma (5-50Hz). |
| Active-sham tACS | Sham comparator | Device: Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator PlusFor active sham stimulation, either delta-beta or theta-gamma stimulation is delivered for 10 seconds and then returns to baseline. This is intended to mimic the skin sensations (e.g., itching, burning, tingling) that are experienced at the onset of stimulation, assisting with blinding the participant's assignment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Able to provide informed consent
- Have normal to corrected vision
- Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study
- Speak and understand English
- Low suicide risk as determined by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D; less than 3 for the suicidality item).
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- Attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (currently under treatment)
- Neurological disorders and conditions, including, but not limited to: History of epilepsy, seizures (except childhood febrile seizures), dementia, history of stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral aneurysm, brain tumors
- Medical or neurological illness or treatment for a medical disorder that could interfere with study participation (e.g., unstable cardiac disease, HIV/AIDS, malignancy, liver or renal impairment)
- Prior brain surgery
- Any brain devices/implants, including cochlear implants and aneurysm clips
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator PlusStimulation will be delivered via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus, an investigational electrical non-invasive brain stimulation device that is being used for foundational neuroscience and translational research. | Device | Active-sham tACS, Delta-beta tACS, Theta-gamma tACS |
Primary outcome
Change in the Percentage of Trials That the Participant Chooses to Perform the Hard Task
Time frame: Baseline (Hour 1), Stimulation (Hours 2 through 3)
In the Expenditure of Effort for Reward Task, participants are faced with a decision on every trial: to choose an easy task with a low effort exertion for a chance at winning a low amount of money or a hard task with a high effort exertion for a chance at winning a greater amount of money. The incentive for the high effort exertion is changed on each trial and the participant gets physically tired from repeated effort exertion. Goal-directed behavior was calculated as the percentage of trials in which the participant decides to perform the high effort exertion. The average of the 4 blocks prior to stimulation served as a baseline (1st hour). The effect of the intervention was the average of the next 8 blocks during stimulation (hours 2 through 3).
1 secondary outcome
Change in Coupling Strength Between Low-frequency Prefrontal Signals and High-frequency Posterior Signals
Time frame: Baseline (Hour 1), Stimulation (Hours 2 through 3)
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jun 2024.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Deidentified individual data that supports the results will be shared beginning 9 to 36 months following publication provided the investigator who proposes to use the data has approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB), Independent Ethics Committee (IEC), or Research Ethics Board (REB), as applicable, and executes a data use/sharing agreement with UNC.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Flavio Frohlich principal investigator
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Cross-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation via the NeuroConn Direct Current Stimulator Plus in people with Major Depressive Disorder and Anhedonia, run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 25 Jun 2024). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in the Percentage of Trials That the Participant Chooses to Perform the Hard Task (time frame: Baseline (Hour 1), Stimulation (Hours 2 through 3)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Jun 2024; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.