Magnetic pulses aim to lift depression in bipolar II
NCT ID NCT05849402
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a rapid form of brain stimulation, called accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (aiTBS), can relieve depression in people with bipolar II disorder whose depression has not responded to other treatments. Participants receive either real or sham (inactive) stimulation to the left prefrontal cortex over five days. The goal is to see if aiTBS can safely reduce depressive symptoms without the need for medication.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- accelerated intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (aiTBS)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, aiTBS could offer a non-drug option for people with bipolar II depression who haven't responded to standard treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with 60 participants, and the sham comparison means some may not benefit. Brain stimulation can cause discomfort or rare side effects like seizure.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California, 94305, United States
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