TEST for Major Depression

This trial explores a new treatment, Transcranial Electric Stimulation Therapy (TEST), for individuals with major depression unresponsive to current treatments. TEST resembles electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) but uses less electricity, potentially resulting in fewer side effects like memory issues. The researchers aim to determine if TEST is safe and effective in reducing depression. This trial may suit adults who have not found success with various depression treatments. Participants will receive either the TEST treatment or a placebo and will be closely monitored throughout the study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that could lead to new treatment options for depression.

Participants must stay on the same daily dose of their psychiatric medications for at least 6 weeks before starting the trial and throughout the study, unless the investigator advises otherwise. If you need to reduce your medication dosage, it must be done at least 4 weeks before the trial begins.

Research shows that treatments like Transcranial Electric Stimulation Therapy (TEST), including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), are usually well-tolerated. Studies indicate that these treatments do not cause serious side effects, with the most common issues being minor skin problems. One review found that a similar treatment used at home for 10 weeks was safe and well-accepted. Overall, existing research suggests that TEST might be safe, but this study aims to learn more about its specific effects and safety.¹²³⁴⁵

Transcranial Electric Stimulation Therapy (TEST) is unique because it offers a new approach to treating major depression by using electrical brain stimulation at levels below the seizure threshold. Unlike traditional electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which induces seizures to achieve its effects, TEST delivers a gentler stimulation without causing seizures. This method could potentially result in fewer side effects and a quicker recovery time, making it an exciting development for improving patient comfort and safety in depression treatment.

Research has shown that Transcranial Electric Stimulation Therapy (TEST), which participants in this trial may receive, may help reduce depression symptoms. Similar treatments, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have significantly improved depression symptoms. For instance, one study reported that patients experienced noticeable relief from their symptoms. Another study found that a 10-week course of active tDCS led to clear mood improvements. Although TEST differs from tDCS, these findings suggest that using electrical stimulation to treat depression holds promise.³⁴⁶⁷⁸