ASTER
Studying personalized brain stimulation during pregnancy.
The ASTER Study at UNC-Chapel Hill is exploring a personalized, non-invasive approach to understanding brain activity and depression during pregnancy.
Your brain activity is unique.
ASTER is studying how information about brain activity can help researchers investigate personalized, non-invasive brain stimulation.
Brain Activity
EEG is used to measure patterns of brain activity.
During Pregnancy
Research focused on depression during pregnancy.
UNC-Chapel Hill
Carolina Center for Neurostimulation.
Single Study Visit
Plus screening and follow-up procedures.
Why ASTER?
Depression during pregnancy deserves more research.
Making decisions about mental health during pregnancy can be complicated. Researchers at UNC are studying non-medication approaches to better understand brain activity associated with depression during pregnancy.
ASTER is an early-stage research study focused on safety, feasibility, tolerability, and changes in brain activity.
Could ASTER be for me?
You may be eligible if you meet these general criteria. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
These are not all eligibility requirements. Our research team will help determine whether the study may be a good fit for you.
What does participation look like?
Explore the ASTER study journey.
Start From Home
Complete initial virtual screening with the research team.
Optional MRI
You may choose to complete an optional MRI.
Measure Brain Activity
EEG records patterns of brain activity.
Study Session
Complete one session of non-invasive brain stimulation.
Measure Again
Researchers measure brain activity after stimulation.
Follow-Up
Pregnancy and birth outcomes are later reviewed.
How does ASTER work?
ASTER is studying how personalized brain stimulation affects patterns of brain activity.
1. MEASURE
EEG records patterns of brain activity.
2. PERSONALIZE
Brain-activity information helps inform the research approach.
3. STIMULATE
Non-invasive electrical stimulation is delivered during the study session.
4. LEARN
Researchers compare brain activity before and after the study session.
ASTER at a glance
A quick look at the research study.
participants planned
study groups
stimulation session
Chapel Hill research site
Questions about ASTER?
Select a question below to learn more.
What is brain stimulation?
ASTER uses transcranial alternating current stimulation, or tACS. tACS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that delivers low-intensity electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the scalp.
Is ASTER a treatment for depression?
ASTER is a research study. This phase is focused on safety, feasibility, tolerability, and understanding changes in brain activity. Participants are unlikely to receive a personal therapeutic benefit from the single stimulation session.
Will everyone receive the same stimulation?
No. ASTER is a randomized research study with three study groups. The research team can explain the study groups and randomization before you decide whether to participate.
Is the MRI required?
No. The MRI component is optional.
How long does participation take?
The main study participation takes approximately 1–2 days, including a single stimulation visit and optional MRI.
Where does the study take place?
Study procedures are conducted through the Carolina Center for Neurostimulation at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Interested in learning more about ASTER?
Learning more does not mean you have to participate.
Our research team can answer your questions and help determine whether the ASTER Study may be a good fit for you.
Department of Psychiatry
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill