Randomized Controlled Trial of At-home Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression in Pregnancy
This is a randomized, sham-controlled trial to determine whether treatment with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is superior to a sham condition at reducing the symptoms of depression in pregnant people with moderate to severe depression. The study aims to enrol 156 participants across all sites. Data collection occurs at baseline, immediately after treatment, every 4 weeks during pregnancy and 4-, 12-, 26- and 52-weeks postpartum
• Adult, ≥18 years of age
• Singleton pregnancy, 12 to end of 32 weeks single gestation at randomization
• In a major depressive episode (MDE) with at least moderate symptom severity (PHQ-9 ≥10 and confirmed using MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview as MDE without psychotic features)
• Assessed by a psychiatrist at one of the study recruitment sites during pregnancy, and offered the option of antidepressant medication for treatment but declined to use
• No new treatments for depression (i.e. psychological or somatic) and no pharmacological treatment for depression in the 4 weeks prior to starting treatment