Bipolar depression

This study looked at whether repeated ketamine infusions can help people with hard-to-treat bipolar depression stay well. 41 adults who had already responded to an initial course of ketamine received up to 6 more infusions over 12 weeks. The goal was to see if maintenance doses c…

Researchers are testing whether daily sessions with a bright light lamp can ease depressive episodes in people with bipolar II disorder. The trial compares a bright 10,000 lux lamp against a dim placebo lamp, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Participants are adults whose dep…

This study tested whether a natural compound called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) can help reduce depression in people with bipolar disorder. 34 adults who were already taking a mood stabilizer took PEA or a placebo. Researchers measured changes in depression scores and looked at h…

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 affec…

This study tested a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called temporal interference stimulation (TI) to improve depression in people with bipolar disorder. Thirty-six participants received 10 sessions over two weeks, targeting a deep brain area linked to pleasure and reward…

This study looked at whether bright light therapy helps depression equally well in spring/summer compared to autumn/winter. Over 200 adults with depression received daily 30-minute light sessions for at least a week. Researchers measured symptom changes and followed up for three …

This study tested whether pramipexole, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, can help people with depression who still have trouble feeling pleasure or motivation despite taking standard antidepressants. 85 adults with depression and significant anhedonia took either pramipexole o…

This study looked at whether adding pramipexole (a drug used for Parkinson's) for 6 months can safely reduce anhedonia — the loss of pleasure or interest — in people with depression. 55 adults who had already been in a shorter trial took pramipexole alongside their usual treatmen…

This study tested whether low-intensity focused ultrasound, aimed at the amygdala (a brain area linked to emotions), could reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Twenty-nine adults received daily 10-minute sessions for three weeks. Researchers measure…

This study tested whether a low dose of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a protein that helps regulate the immune system, could improve depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. Fourteen participants already on mood stabilizers received the treatment. The goal was to see if it in…

This phase 2 trial tested four intravenous ketamine infusions over two weeks in 71 adults with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Participants received either ketamine or a sedative (midazolam) to see if ketamine could quickly reduce depression symptoms. The study measured c…

This small pilot study tested an accelerated version of theta-burst stimulation, a type of magnetic brain stimulation, in 7 adults with bipolar depression that didn't respond to standard treatments. All participants received the active treatment, and researchers measured changes …

This pilot study tested whether pramipexole, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, could help people with depression who struggle with anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure or motivation. Thirteen adults with depression and significant anhedonia took pramipexole alongside their…

This study tested whether trained peer specialists—Veterans who have faced similar challenges—could help other Veterans at high risk for suicide. Over three months, 17 Veterans received one-on-one support focused on building hope, connection, and a sense of purpose. Researchers m…

This study tested a new medication, lumateperone, to see if it can safely ease depression in people with bipolar I or II disorder. Over 550 adults took either the drug or a placebo for six weeks. Researchers measured changes in depression symptoms using a standard rating scale.

This study tested a new type of talk therapy that helps people aged 50 to 90 learn to change how they think about upsetting memories and feelings. The goal was to reduce the risk of suicide after a hospital stay for suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt. 107 participants took pa…

This study looks at how lithium, a common treatment for bipolar disorder, affects the brain's wiring. Researchers will use MRI scans to track changes in brain connections over 26 weeks in 120 adults with bipolar depression. The goal is to understand why lithium works, not to test…

This study watched 60 adults getting electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression to see if their need for anesthesia changed over multiple sessions. Researchers measured the dose of anesthetic used each time and how it related to seizure quality and recovery. No new tre…

This study looked at how ketamine affects brain connections in people with bipolar depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Twenty adults received ketamine and had brain scans before and after. The goal was to see if changes in brain activity could predict who gets …