Remote Depression Research Study
Researchers at Soterix Medical, Inc. are conducting a study on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for depression.
Fast Facts
Ages 22+ & Diagnosed With Depression
Currently in a Depressive Episode Lasting at Least 4 Weeks
Compensation
Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
This study is testing an at-home, non-drug treatment for depression.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, and for many people, standard treatments such as medication or therapy may not provide full relief. Researchers at Soterix Medical are studying an innovative approach called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS-LTE), an investigational non-invasive device that gently stimulates the brain using small electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed on the scalp. Unlike medications, tDCS has virtually no side effects and may provide an alternative option for individuals experiencing a major depressive episode.
This study combines at-home tDCS treatment with mindfulness practices, all supervised through telemedicine. Everything you need is shipped directly to your home, and you will not be required to attend any in-person visits. Over the 13-week study period, participants will complete 53 tDCS sessions and 5 virtual clinician meetings, with each session lasting about 45 minutes. The goal of the research is to better understand whether this approach can safely and effectively improve mood and overall well-being in people living with depression.
Study Background
This study is testing an at-home, non-drug treatment for depression.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, and for many people, standard treatments such as medication or therapy may not provide full relief. Researchers at Soterix Medical are studying an innovative approach called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS-LTE), an investigational non-invasive device that gently stimulates the brain using small electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed on the scalp. Unlike medications, tDCS has virtually no side effects and may provide an alternative option for individuals experiencing a major depressive episode.
This study combines at-home tDCS treatment with mindfulness practices, all supervised through telemedicine. Everything you need is shipped directly to your home, and you will not be required to attend any in-person visits. Over the 13-week study period, participants will complete 53 tDCS sessions and 5 virtual clinician meetings, with each session lasting about 45 minutes. The goal of the research is to better understand whether this approach can safely and effectively improve mood and overall well-being in people living with depression.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to test whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a safe, non-drug, at-home treatment, combined with mindfulness, can reduce symptoms of depression. Researchers want to learn if this approach can improve mood and overall well-being.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 22+ and diagnosed with depression
- Currently in a depressive episode lasting at least 4 weeks
- Have not tried more than one antidepressant
- If of childbearing potential, willing to take birth control for the study’s duration
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently pregnant
- Neurological disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Treatment-resistant depression (e.g., failure to respond to two or more antidepressants, ECT treatment, or rTMS therapy)
You will receive a total of 53 tDCS sessions over 13 weeks.
First 7 weeks: one session per day, Monday–Friday.
Next 6 weeks: three sessions per week.
Each session includes a brief questionnaire about your mood and well-being.
You will also have five virtual Zoom meetings with a clinician to discuss your symptoms.
Daily time commitment is about 45 minutes.
All equipment is shipped to your home, and everything is done remotely — no travel required.
Participants who complete the study will receive $575, which includes returning the study equipment with a prepaid shipping label. Since this is a fully at-home study, there are no transportation requirements or costs.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.