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Home-Based tDCS for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis

This study is testing a home-based treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for depression in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). tDCS uses a low electrical current delivered to the scalp. You would receive either active tDCS or a sham (placebo) tDCS, both delivered through a device at home for 30 days while listening to mindfulness meditation. Researchers want to see if tDCS can reduce depression symptoms, measured by changes in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17). To join, you must be 18-65 years old with a confirmed MS diagnosis and stable medications. The study aims to enroll 170 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is a double-blind, sham-controlled study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know if you are receiving active or sham tDCS. It plans to enroll 170 participants and will compare two groups.
What's involved
You would complete 30 days of 30-minute tDCS sessions at home, supervised remotely, while listening to mindfulness meditation. You would also complete assessments of depression and MS symptoms.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your depression symptoms will be measured at the start, at the end of the 8-week intervention, and again at 3 months.

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NCT06901687

Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 18–65InterventionalTreatment
NYU Langone Health
~170 participants
Updated 2026-06-29 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Active tDCSSham tDCS

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17)
Measured over Baseline, Week 8 (End of Intervention)
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis
Depression

Explore related trials

DepressionMultiple Sclerosis

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
New York1

Study leadership

  • Leigh Charvet, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · NYU Langone Health

Who to contact

Shayna Pehel
[email protected]
929-455-5104
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age: 18-65 years (inclusive)
Diagnosis: Confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive subtypes
Stable Medications: Stable use of antidepressant and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for at least 30 days prior to enrollment
Stable Disease Activity: Defined as no clinical relapse, no new radiological disease activity, and no recent steroid treatment for at least 30 days prior to enrollment
Provider Contact: Confirmed access to a local provider that has primary responsibility for the subjects' clinical care, and who is available for contact in case of increased subject risk due to depressive symptoms
Technical Ability: Ability to use mobile devices and participate in remote, video-supervised sessions

Exclusion

Neurological or Medical Disorders: History of primary neurological disorder other than MS (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracranial mass, epilepsy, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia), major psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders), or serious medical conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, thyroid disease, diabetes with complications, atrial fibrillation)
Substance Use: Nicotine use (e.g., smoking or vaping) within the past 6 months
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Currently pregnant, planning pregnancy during the study period, or breastfeeding. If able to become pregnant, participants will be required to use medically accepted birth control methods, including hormonal methods (e.g., pills, patches, implants), barrier methods (e.g., condoms or diaphragm with spermicide), intrauterine device (IUD), or abstinence. Participants will be advised not to become pregnant during the study.
Seizure History: History of seizures or seizure disorder within the past 5 years
Implanted Devices or Metal Objects: Presence of metal in the head/neck area (excluding dental fillings) or implanted medical devices (e.g., neurostimulators, pacemakers, defibrillators)
Skin Conditions: Active skin disorders or skin sensitivity near electrode application sites

What this trial measures

  • Change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17)Baseline, Week 8 (End of Intervention)

    HDRS-17 is a 17-item assessement of depression symptoms. Each item is rated on a Likert scale; the total score is the sum of responses and ranges from 0-52, with higher scores indicating greater levels of depression. A score of 0-7 is generally accepted to be within the normal range (or in clinical remission), while a score of 20 or higher indicates at least moderate severity.

  • Change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17)Baseline, Month 3

    HDRS-17 is a 17-item assessement of depression symptoms. Each item is rated on a Likert scale; the total score is the sum of responses and ranges from 0-52, with higher scores indicating greater levels of depression. A score of 0-7 is generally accepted to be within the normal range (or in clinical remission), while a score of 20 or higher indicates at least moderate severity.