Brain zaps for bipolar blues: new hope for Treatment-Resistant depression?
NCT ID NCT06986460
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 3 trial tests whether low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can ease depression in people with bipolar disorder who haven't improved with other treatments. Eighty adults will receive daily sessions for 30 days, with depression and mania symptoms tracked for 6 weeks afterward. The goal is to see if this non-invasive brain stimulation offers a safe, effective option for hard-to-treat bipolar depression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a new, non-drug treatment option for people with bipolar depression who haven't responded to other therapies.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single-arm observational study without a placebo group, so results may be less conclusive. The treatment requires daily visits for 30 days, which may be burdensome.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Centre For Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M6J 1H1, Canada
-
University Health Network Toronto Western Hospital
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
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