Bipolar depression

This study tests a new behavioral therapy called OPT-A for teenagers who have both substance use problems and mood or anxiety disorders. 140 teens aged 10-17 will receive either OPT-A or standard treatment. Researchers will track substance use and mental health for 18 months to s…

This study tested a blended collaborative care model that uses telemedicine to integrate mental health treatment into primary care at smaller VA clinics serving rural veterans. Researchers enrolled 318 veterans who screened positive for depression, alcohol use disorder, or PTSD. …

This study looked at whether repeated ketamine infusions can help people with hard-to-treat bipolar depression stay well. 41 adults who had already responded to an initial course of ketamine received up to 6 more infusions over 12 weeks. The goal was to see if maintenance doses c…

This study tests a voice-analysis device designed to help clinicians screen for moderate to severe depression in adults. About 1,600 English-speaking adults aged 22 and older will record their voices, and the device's screening results will be compared with a standard clinical in…

This study tested whether personalized, intensive nursing follow-up (by phone, home visits, or hospital consultations) after a suicide attempt could prevent another attempt or crisis in people with mood disorders. 380 participants were followed for one year. The goal was to see i…

This study tested whether a natural compound called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) can help reduce depression in people with bipolar disorder. 34 adults who were already taking a mood stabilizer took PEA or a placebo. Researchers measured changes in depression scores and looked at h…

This study tests a therapy called the Unified Protocol, designed to help people with emotional disorders like anxiety and depression by improving emotional regulation. Researchers compare delivering the therapy in online group sessions versus in-person group sessions to see if bo…

This study tested whether adding dog-assisted therapy to usual care helps teens aged 12-18 with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. 70 teens in a day hospital were randomly assigned to either get dog therapy plus usual care or usual care al…

This study tested an online group program called Healthy Minds for people on sick leave due to depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorders. 123 participants either joined the 8-week program or received standard care. Researchers tracked their return to work, symptoms, and job fu…

This study tested a new way to use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depressive episodes in 40 adolescents with bipolar disorder. Instead of the usual front-brain target, researchers stimulated the visual cortex at the back of the brain, aiming to affec…

This study tested a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called temporal interference stimulation (TI) to improve depression in people with bipolar disorder. Thirty-six participants received 10 sessions over two weeks, targeting a deep brain area linked to pleasure and reward…

This study looked at whether bright light therapy helps depression equally well in spring/summer compared to autumn/winter. Over 200 adults with depression received daily 30-minute light sessions for at least a week. Researchers measured symptom changes and followed up for three …

This study tested whether a 4-month gym exercise program helps young adults (18-35) taking antipsychotic medication for psychosis or mood disorders feel better in their daily lives. 226 participants were randomly assigned to either continue their usual care or add gym workouts. R…

This study tested whether pramipexole, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, can help people with depression who still have trouble feeling pleasure or motivation despite taking standard antidepressants. 85 adults with depression and significant anhedonia took either pramipexole o…

This study looked at whether adding pramipexole (a drug used for Parkinson's) for 6 months can safely reduce anhedonia — the loss of pleasure or interest — in people with depression. 55 adults who had already been in a shorter trial took pramipexole alongside their usual treatmen…

This study tested whether low-intensity focused ultrasound, aimed at the amygdala (a brain area linked to emotions), could reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Twenty-nine adults received daily 10-minute sessions for three weeks. Researchers measure…

This study tested a digital mental health program for adults with depressive symptoms. The program includes nine online modules covering topics like positive thinking, relaxation, and healthy habits. Researchers compared results between people with diagnosed mood disorders and th…

This study tested whether a low dose of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a protein that helps regulate the immune system, could improve depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. Fourteen participants already on mood stabilizers received the treatment. The goal was to see if it in…

This study tested whether taking part in art activities like theatre, dance, visual arts, music, or cinema can improve mental health. 541 adults with psychiatric diagnoses were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. Researchers measured changes in depression an…

This phase 2 trial tested four intravenous ketamine infusions over two weeks in 71 adults with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Participants received either ketamine or a sedative (midazolam) to see if ketamine could quickly reduce depression symptoms. The study measured c…

This small pilot study tested an accelerated version of theta-burst stimulation, a type of magnetic brain stimulation, in 7 adults with bipolar depression that didn't respond to standard treatments. All participants received the active treatment, and researchers measured changes …

This pilot study tested whether pramipexole, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, could help people with depression who struggle with anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure or motivation. Thirteen adults with depression and significant anhedonia took pramipexole alongside their…

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) sessions can help reduce anxiety and depression in people aged 12 to 25 who do not want to take medication. Forty participants completed five weekly VR sessions focused on relaxation, coping skills, and healthy habits. Researchers me…

This study tested whether trained peer specialists—Veterans who have faced similar challenges—could help other Veterans at high risk for suicide. Over three months, 17 Veterans received one-on-one support focused on building hope, connection, and a sense of purpose. Researchers m…

This study tested a new medication, lumateperone, to see if it can safely ease depression in people with bipolar I or II disorder. Over 550 adults took either the drug or a placebo for six weeks. Researchers measured changes in depression symptoms using a standard rating scale.

This study tested a new type of talk therapy that helps people aged 50 to 90 learn to change how they think about upsetting memories and feelings. The goal was to reduce the risk of suicide after a hospital stay for suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt. 107 participants took pa…

This study tested a new 8-session psychotherapy called ChronoS in 67 adults with mood disorders (bipolar or depression) and chronic insomnia. The therapy focuses on sleep-wake awareness and habits. Researchers measured changes in insomnia severity using a standard questionnaire. …

This study tested a group version of a therapy program called the Unified Protocol for teens with emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. Thirty-one adolescents took part in 16 weekly group sessions at a public mental health center in Spain, along with three parent sessi…

This study looks at how a meditation program called TARA changes brain connections in teens aged 14 to 18 with mild or moderate depression. Researchers will use brain scans to see if meditation strengthens a key brain area and reduces depression symptoms. The goal is to understan…

This study looks at how lithium, a common treatment for bipolar disorder, affects the brain's wiring. Researchers will use MRI scans to track changes in brain connections over 26 weeks in 120 adults with bipolar depression. The goal is to understand why lithium works, not to test…

This study watched 60 adults getting electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression to see if their need for anesthesia changed over multiple sessions. Researchers measured the dose of anesthetic used each time and how it related to seizure quality and recovery. No new tre…

This study used MRI brain scans and computer tasks to understand how people who attempted suicide make decisions. Researchers compared three groups: those who used violent means, those who used non-violent means, and healthy volunteers. The goal was to find brain activity pattern…

This study tested a program called IPS-MA, which helps people with mood or anxiety disorders find and keep jobs or return to school. 326 adults who were unable to work within three months took part. The goal was to see if this support, added to their usual treatment, helped them …

This study looked at how ketamine affects brain connections in people with bipolar depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Twenty adults received ketamine and had brain scans before and after. The goal was to see if changes in brain activity could predict who gets …

This study looked at 48 adults with mood disorders and insomnia to see if a strong relationship with their therapist helped them get better results from a new type of therapy called ChronoS. The therapy combines sleep scheduling, mindfulness, and stress management. Researchers me…

This study looked at whether using very low nicotine cigarettes along with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can reduce harmful chemical exposure in smokers with mental health conditions. 88 participants were assigned to different combinations of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The m…