Brain zaps may strengthen emotion control circuits in bipolar disorder
NCT ID NCT06274567
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can strengthen connections between brain regions involved in emotion regulation in people with bipolar disorder. Participants, aged 24 to 65 with bipolar I or II and current depression, receive either real or sham iTBS to a personalized brain target over four days. The researchers measure changes in brain connectivity and performance on emotion-related tasks before and after stimulation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment to help people with bipolar disorder better manage their emotions.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early mechanistic study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to any clinical benefit, and the effects may be small or temporary.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
RECRUITINGCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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University of Pennsylvania, Center for Neuromodulation in Depression and Stress
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-4283(215) 573-4229, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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