Scientists use brain scans to unravel thought problems in bipolar disorder
NCT ID NCT02794129
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study used functional MRI to look at brain activity in people with bipolar disorder while they performed tasks involving language and meaning. The goal was to better understand why some patients experience disorganized thinking or speech. 79 participants took part, including both patients and healthy volunteers.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help explain how thought disorders arise in bipolar disorder, potentially guiding future therapies.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational imaging study with no treatment. Results may not directly translate to clinical practice or benefit patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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79 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2013
- Finished
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Sep 2018
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion criteria BD patients : * Men or women, right-handed * diagnosis of type 1 bipolar disorder, according to the DSM-IV criteria * aged from 18 to 65 years-old * Native French speaker * Affiliated to the social security Healthy Controls (HC): * Men or women, right-handed * aged from 18 to 65 years-old * Native French speaker * Affiliated to the social security Exclusion criteria BD patients : * recent alcohol and/or drug abuse or dependence * significant general medical illness, including neurological disorders or head trauma * sensorial impairment (visual and/or hearing) * Contraindication to the use of MRI HC: * first-degree-relative history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to DSM-IV * recent alcohol and/or drug abuse or dependence * significant general medical illness, including neurological disorders or head trauma * sensorial impairment (visual and/or hearing) * Contraindication to the use of MRI
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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
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Chu Reims
Reims, 51092, France
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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