Can magnetic pulses sharpen a bipolar brain?

NCT ID NCT05964777

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a combination of two brain stimulation techniques—repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)—could improve cognitive function in people with bipolar disorder who are in remission. 116 participants received either real or sham stimulation. The goal was to see if targeting specific brain areas could help with memory, attention, and thinking speed.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) and tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulation) devices

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-drug treatment to help with memory and focus problems in people with bipolar disorder.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with no phase, so results may not be conclusive. The effect may be small or not last long, and not everyone may benefit.

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 disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China