Brain pacemaker trial aims to lift severe bipolar depression

NCT ID NCT06599099

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Wayne Goodman MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests deep brain stimulation (DBS) for people with severe bipolar depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Ten participants will have electrodes surgically placed in their brain and a device implanted in their chest to deliver electrical pulses. The goal is to see if DBS can reduce depression symptoms and help find better ways to target brain circuits.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a more reliable way to treat severe bipolar depression that hasn't responded to other treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study with only 10 people. Surgery risks include brain bleeding, infection, and seizure. There may be no benefit to participants.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar depression bipolar disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Baylor College of Medicine
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Rice University
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
University of Washington
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States

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