Check Eligibility
Join a remote depression research study testing a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment from home
Now enrolling 200 adults ages 22-70 with Major Depressive Disorder testing an at-home tDCS brain stimulation device. Your participation will help determine if this drug-free, at-home approach could provide accessible treatment for patients struggling with depression care. This device has been approved for use in Europe since 2015 with over 30,000 patients treated to date and is seeking U.S regulatory approval. Participants complete all activities remotely with video visits and daily treatment sessions from home. Earn up to $800.
Study overview
Your Participation
This study includes:
- 5-7 virtual video visits (lengths between 1-2.5 hours each)
- Daily 30-minute at-home brain stimulation treatments for 3 weeks, then 3 sessions weekly for 7 weeks
- Brief weekly surveys (5-10 minutes each)
- Optional 10-week follow-up phase
Compensation
- Earn up to $800 total via electronic Visa gift cards
Timeline
Enrolling 200 participants in CA, TX, FL, NY, IL, VA, TN, MS, SC, AZ, OH, MO, WI
Study Location
Fully remote study in CA, TX, FL, NY, IL, VA, TN, MS, SC, AZ, OH, MO, WI. All activities are completed from home with no travel required.
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Patient Stories
Who is this study for?
You may be eligible if you meet the following requirements:
Gender
All
Age
22-70
Region
CA, TX, FL, NY, IL, VA, TN, MS, SC, AZ, OH, MO, WI
Have a diagnosis of depression
Are currently experiencing a depressive episode
Take one antidepressant at a stable dose
Are under the care of a psychiatrist or primary care physician
Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
Have PTSD, Bipolar disorder, OCD, or other significant psychiatric conditions
History of suicide attempt(s) or hospitalization for suicidal behavior
Are a chronic nicotine user
Additional eligibility criteria will be reviewed during the screening process
Your questions answered
Accordion
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What is this study about?
This study tests whether an at-home brain stimulation device called Sooma 2GEN tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) is safe and effective for Major Depressive Disorder in the United States. This device has been approved for use in Europe since 2015. tDCS delivers gentle electrical current to specific brain areas through scalp electrodes, potentially regulating brain activity linked to depression. You will be randomly assigned to active or sham (inactive) treatment for 10 weeks while continuing your current antidepressant. Neither you nor the study team will know your assignment.
All participants have the possibility to receive active treatment. First, you will be randomly assigned to active or sham (inactive) treatment for 10 weeks. After this, you can choose to continue for a 10-week follow-up phase, when you are certain to receive active treatment. By completing treatment sessions, video visits, and surveys, you will help determine if this drug-free, at-home approach could provide accessible depression treatment.
Who is Sooma Medical?
Sooma Medical Inc. sponsors this study and manufactures the Sooma 2GEN tDCS device. Sooma has provided this Nordic innovation for patients in Europe since 2015 and is working to bring this technology to the United States. This research evaluates whether their at-home system can safely and effectively treat Major Depressive Disorder in the U.S.
Who is Lindus Health?
Lindus Health is the contract research organization managing this trial. Our team coordinates recruitment, virtual operations, remote device training and study visits, monitoring, data collection, and participant support throughout your at-home study experience.
What is Major Depressive Disorder and why is this research important?
Major Depressive Disorder affects over 8% of Americans, making it a critical public health challenge. Research shows only a minority of patients receive even a minimally adequate treatment for their depression. . Alternative options like TMS and ECT can be difficult to access due to high costs and required in-person visits to specialized facilities. This research explores whether tDCS, a treatment you self-administer at home, could provide a more accessible, convenient depression treatment option.
Why are medical records required?
Medical records are required to verify two key eligibility criteria. First, we need documentation confirming your depression diagnosis by a physician or psychiatrist. Second, we need to confirm your current antidepressant prescription meets the study requirements. If you have these records available, our study team will help you submit them via secure links sent by text and email. If you don't have immediate access to your records, you can sign a medical records authorization form, and our medical record partner will request them from your healthcare provider on your behalf. This verification process ensures participant safety and study integrity.
Can I withdraw from the study?
Yes, you may withdraw at any time without penalty or impact on your medical care. We ask that you complete a final safety visit to ensure your well-being. Information collected before withdrawal remains in the study, but you can immediately stop all activities. You will receive compensation for completed visits before withdrawal.
How will I be compensated?
You will earn up to $800 TOTAL:
• Screening/Baseline Visits: $100
• Day 1: $50
• Week 4: $75
• Week 7: $75
• Week 10: $350 - requires treatment compliance from Day 1 to Week 10
• Week 20: $150 (optional follow-up only)
Payments process within approximately one week of each completed visit via electronic Visa gift cards.