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NCT Number: NCT04296604

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Neuromodulation of Executive Function Across Neuropsychiatric Populations

In the current study, the investigators aim to understand the role of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving executive function across neuropsychiatric populations known to have deficits in this cognitive domain.

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Key information

About this study

In the current study, the investigators aim to understand the role of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving executive function across neuropsychiatric populations known to have deficits in this cognitive domain. The investigators will select 8 relevant diagnostic categories: traumatic brain injury, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder. The study will also include a cohort of healthy controls for comparison.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male and female outpatients 18-65 years of age
  • A diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.

Exclusion criteria

  • Contraindication to tDCS: history or epilepsy, metallic implants in the head and neck, brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, shunts, pacemakers, pregnancy.
  • Active substance dependence (except for tobacco and cannabis).
  • Pregnant or nursing females.
  • Inability to participate in testing procedures.
  • Additional exclusion criteria for healthy controls:
  • Diagnosis of psychiatric of neurological disorder
  • Ongoing treatment with any psychotropic medications.

Treatment and study plan

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Device

In tDCS, electrodes are applied on the scalp to transmit direct current at low current amplitudes.

Other names: tDCS

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in N-Back Task

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Treatment, 1 Week

    Working Memory Task

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Flanker Task

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Treatment, 1 Week

    Attention and Inhibitory Control Task

  2. Change in Multi-Source Interference with International Affective Picture System Task

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Treatment, 1 Week

    Cognitive Control During Emotional Regulation Task

  3. Change in Delayed Discounting Task

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Treatment, 1 Week

    Decision-Making Task

  4. Change in Stop Signal Task

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Treatment, 1 Week

    Ability to Inhibit a Response Task

  5. Change in Iowa Gambling Task

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Treatment, 1 Week

    Risk-Taking Task

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Joan Camprodon, MD, PhD, MPH

CONTACT

6177265348

Patricia Cirillo, MD, PhD

CONTACT

6177243217

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2014
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 5, 2020
Registry last updated
Sep 10, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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