Zapping the back of the brain to lift teen depression?

NCT ID NCT05929183

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a new way to use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depressive episodes in 40 adolescents with bipolar disorder. Instead of the usual front-brain target, researchers stimulated the visual cortex at the back of the brain, aiming to affect mood-related circuits. The goal was to see if this approach could safely and quickly improve symptoms.

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 it works, this could point toward a faster, safer way to improve mood in teens with bipolar depression.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 40 participants. The new stimulation target may not work better than existing methods, and results may not apply to everyone.

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 DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China

More trials for these conditions

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