RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation In Major Depressive Disorder (HOME)

This study, called HOME, investigates a new treatment for major depression in adults. Many people with depression don't find enough relief from common treatments like medication or talking therapies. This research looks into transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a gentle, non-invasive method that uses mild electrical currents to influence brain activity. The main question is whether using tDCS at home, in addition to their usual care, is an effective treatment for adults with major depression. Participants will either receive tDCS plus their usual care for 10 weeks, or just continue with their usual care. Researchers will follow their progress for nine months to understand the benefits and if it could become a treatment option within the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

438

Start

18 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

What is this study about?

Hello. If you're reading this, you or someone you know might be living with depression. Finding the right treatment can be challenging, and unfortunately, many people still struggle even after trying common options like antidepressants or talking therapies. This is why researchers are always looking for new and better ways to help.

This study is exploring a new treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS for short. It's a non-invasive treatment, meaning it doesn't involve surgery. Instead, it uses a very mild electrical current, delivered through a headset worn on the head, to gently influence brain activity. The idea is that by targeting specific areas of the brain, tDCS might help improve symptoms of depression. What's particularly interesting about this study is that it's looking at whether people can safely and effectively use this tDCS device in their own homes.

The HOME study aims to find out if using tDCS at home, alongside the treatments you might already be receiving (like medication or therapy), is more effective than just continuing with your usual care alone. Researchers also want to understand if this treatment is good value for money for the NHS and how easy it would be to introduce it as a wider treatment option. Your insights and participation could help shape future depression care in the UK.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new home-based treatment (tDCS) for major depression.
Compares tDCS plus usual care to usual care alone.
Participation involves 10 weeks of treatment and 9 months of follow-up.
Aims to improve depression symptoms and inform NHS care.
Free to participants, with the option to withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with major depression and have at least moderate symptoms. You could be considered if you're not currently taking antidepressant medication, or if you've been on a stable dose for at least six weeks. Similarly, if you're not currently in talking therapy, or have been in ongoing therapy for at least six weeks, you might be eligible. You also need to be under the care of a GP who agrees to be informed about your study participation.

Some things would mean you couldn't join the study. For example, if you have a significant risk of suicide, or have another main mental health condition like severe OCD. People who take certain medications daily that affect brain activity (like some tranquillisers), or have issues with heavy alcohol or drug use, would not be suitable. Also, if you've had certain other brain stimulation treatments (like ECT or TMS) or specific treatments for depression like ketamine, you wouldn't be able to take part. Finally, if you have memory problems like dementia, or a serious medical or brain condition that could affect your mood, you also wouldn't be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with major depression and have at least moderate symptoms?
Are you either not taking depression medication, or on a stable dose for 6+ weeks?
Are you either not in talking therapy, or in ongoing therapy for 6+ weeks?
Are you under the care of a GP?
Do you have no history of significant suicide risk or certain other brain treatments?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll first have a full assessment to confirm your eligibility. Then, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will continue with their usual depression care (which could be medication, therapy, or both) for 10 weeks. The other group will receive a tDCS device to use at home, alongside their usual care, for 10 weeks.

The tDCS device is a headset that you'll use as instructed. Throughout the 10 weeks and for six months afterwards, researchers will check in with you to see how you're feeling and how your symptoms are changing. This will involve some questionnaires and discussions. After the initial six-month follow-up, all participants will have the option to try the tDCS treatment if they haven't already. There will be one final check-up three months later, meaning your total involvement from the start of treatment will be about nine months.

Potential risks and benefits

While this study offers a chance to try a new treatment for depression that might improve your symptoms, it's important to remember that it's still research. There's no guarantee that tDCS will work for you. Potential risks of tDCS are generally mild and can include temporary skin irritation, itching, or a tingling sensation under the electrodes. During your participation, you will continue to receive support from your usual care team. Your wellbeing is paramount, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (6)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cardiff and Vale Health Board
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Newcastle, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Northampton, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Southampton, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is tDCS?

tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) is a non-invasive technique that uses very mild electrical currents, delivered through a headset, to gently stimulate specific areas of your brain. It's being studied as a potential treatment for depression.

Can I continue my current depression treatment?

Yes, if you're already taking stable antidepressant medication or are in ongoing talking therapy, you'll continue with your usual care throughout the study.

How long will the study last for me?

Your active involvement with the trial will be for about nine months in total, including the 10-week treatment period and follow-up assessments.

Will I have to pay for anything?

No, your participation in the study, including the tDCS device if you're in that group, will be provided free of charge.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and it will not affect your ongoing medical care.

How to find out more

Cynthia Fu

cynthia.fu@kcl.ac.uk 020 7848 0002 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.