Pilot Study of Personalized Aperiodic Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Antenatal Depression (PandA-tACS)
Recruiting · Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
This pilot study tests whether a “personalized” brain stimulation method called tACS is safe and can be tolerated in people who are pregnant and have depression. Study staff will also check safety, comfort, and how well the approach can be followed during pregnancy. It also includes a healthy control group to compare safety and comfort.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
The purpose of this study is to develop the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of a personalized transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) approach in antenatal depression.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •You must be female and between 18 and 45 years old.
- •You must be able to understand study risks and benefits and sign informed consent.
- •You must be willing to follow all study steps for the whole study.
- •You must have low suicide risk (no active suicidal thoughts in the past month, and no suicide attempts or major self-harm actions in the past 2 years).
- •If you are in the antenatal depression group: you must be pregnant (single baby) between weeks 14 and 32, have a confirmed DSM-5 diagnosis of unipolar, non-psychotic major depressive disorder (MDD), and have an HDRS-17 score of 8 or higher.
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •You have severe alcohol use disorder in the last 12 months, or a moderate-to-severe substance use disorder in the last 12 months (not counting tobacco).
- •You have ever been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia-spectrum or other psychotic disorders, or autism spectrum disorder.
- •You started a new psychotropic medication within the past 6 weeks, or changed the dose in the past 6 weeks, or started a new course of psychotherapy within the past 6 weeks.
- •You had any neurostimulation treatment in the past 6 weeks (for example, ECT/TMS), or you have a history of seizures (except febrile childhood seizures or seizures caused by ECT).
- •You are not eligible if you have certain pregnancy or medical risks (for example: current pregnancy/lactation for healthy controls, or many listed pregnancy complications for the antenatal depression group).
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–45
- ✓Have Type 2 diabetes
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
This pilot study tests whether a “personalized” brain stimulation method called tACS is safe and can be tolerated in people who are pregnant and have depression. Study staff will also check safety, comfort, and how well the approach can be followed during pregnancy. It also includes a healthy control group to compare safety and comfort.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06979154 · Locations: North Carolina