Could a zappy headband lift teen bipolar depression?

NCT ID NCT07246044

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation method called HD-tDCS in 100 teenagers with bipolar depression. Half get real stimulation, half get a fake version, and both continue their usual medications. Researchers will check if depression scores improve after two weeks and look at brain scans and other data to understand how it works.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to ease depression symptoms in teenagers with bipolar disorder.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage trial with no phase, so results are uncertain. The sham group may also improve, and benefits might be small or temporary.

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

  • Contact

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

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University

    RECRUITING

    Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China

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

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