HOME

We want to find out what is the best treatment for each individual person with major depression. We are looking at whether the new brain stimulation therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), could be a potential treatment for major depression.

The study is a blinded randomised controlled trial, which means that in the first part of the study you may receive either the active tDCS headset or you will continue with your current depression treatment. In the second part of the study, everyone will be able to receive the active tDCS treatment.

All the sessions are at home. You would be seen at home by videoconference.

• The treatment involves 5 tDCS sessions per week for the first 3 weeks and then 3 sessions per week for 7 weeks. Each session is 30 minutes.
• You will be able to continue with your current treatment.
• You do not have to pay for the tDCS therapy or the headset.
• You can stop taking part in the study at any time.

What is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)?

tDCS is a form of brain stimulation. tDCS produces a small electric current (2 mA) which affects how easily brain cells can fire a signal.

• It does not directly stimulate brain cells to cause a seizure like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and it does not cause brain cells to fire a signal like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
• tDCS has been studied in hundreds of clinical research participants with bipolar depression.

We are using a tDCS device with an adjustable headset. There are two small metal discs, called electrodes. One is for where the small safe current is generated and one for where the current goes back to the device. They are at the front of the headset on both sides and sit on the top part of the forehead.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects are redness where the electrodes are in contact with the forehead, tingling sensation, itchiness and headache.

If you would like to find out more about the HOME study, please visit the HOME website or contact us:

Local contact details:

Dr. Apoorva Peddada Principal Investigator – CaPE@cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 245 6845

Michael Kelly: Research Delivery Team – Michael.Kelly@cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 07970993197

Other contact details:

Professor Cynthia Fu, Chief Investigator - home@kcl.ac.uk