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New treatment option for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Official title tVNS, Motivation, and Insulin Sensitivity
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07198100
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- Disturbances in energy metabolism significantly increase the risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD), especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity may particularly impair reward anticipation and motivational processes, contributing to anhedonia, a core symptom of depression.
- Time commitment: about 2 weeks
- Which group you join is decided by chance.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 to 60. Healthy volunteers may be eligible.
You may be able to join if
- Participants with depression (DSM-5 diagnosis) or participants without depression (no DSM-5 diagnosis, lifetime)
- BMI between 18.5 and 40 kg/m²
- Age between 18 and 60 years
- Legally valid informed consent
You likely can't join if
- The following diagnoses in medical history:
- Brain injury
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Severe substance use disorder
- Coronary heart disease
See the full eligibility criteria
- Participants with depression (DSM-5 diagnosis) or participants without depression (no DSM-5 diagnosis, lifetime)
- BMI between 18.5 and 40 kg/m²
- Age between 18 and 60 years
- Legally valid informed consent
- The following diagnoses in medical history:
- Brain injury
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Severe substance use disorder
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, etc.)
- Type I diabetes The following diagnoses within 12 months prior to the experiment:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Somatic symptom disorder
- Eating disorder The following diagnoses in medical history for control participants:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders (except specific phobias) Generally:
- Contraindications for MRI (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia) or taVNS (e.g., piercings, sore or diseased skin on the outer right ear)
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women will not be included
- Unclear capacity to consent
- Stomach surgeries affecting body weight (e.g., bypass surgeries)
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it's taking place
- Bonn, Germany
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part - confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The study runs about 2 weeks per participant, based on its public description. The team confirms the exact schedule and number of visits before you enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years to 60 years. Healthy volunteers may be eligible. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
Study sites include Bonn, Germany. Enter your location above to see the nearest site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool - not medical advice, and not the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov; the study team decides eligibility.