Brain pacemaker trial aims to lift severe bipolar depression

NCT ID NCT06599099

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

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Locations

  • Baylor College of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

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  • 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