Targeted magnetic pulses aim to lift bipolar depression
NCT ID NCT07680153
First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve depression in people with bipolar disorder. Researchers use brain scans to create a personalized map for each participant, targeting the exact brain circuits involved in mood shifts. Participants receive both active and sham (placebo) stimulation in random order to compare effects. The goal is to see if this tailored approach can restore communication between brain regions and reduce depressive 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)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a more effective, non-invasive treatment for depression in bipolar disorder that is tailored to each person's brain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial testing a new targeting method, so results may not apply broadly. rTMS can cause scalp discomfort or headache, and the sham comparison helps control for placebo effects.
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
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
About 62 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 to 70 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: 1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form. 2. Adults of all genders aged 18-70 at the time of screening. 3. Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (by DSM-V criteria) 4. Depressive symptoms of at least moderate severity (GRID HDRS-17 score \>= 14 or as determined by expert clinician). 5. Not currently taking medications for BD OR on a stable dose of medication for at least 1 month prior to screening and plans to remain off medications OR on this stable dose for the duration of participation. 6. Access to psychiatric care before, during, and after completion of the study. 7. For females of reproductive potential: use of highly effective contraception for at least 1 month prior to screening and agreement to use such a method during study participation. 8. Proficiency in English sufficient to complete assessments and follow study procedure instructions. 9. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Imminent risk of suicide. 2. Presence of a primary DSM-5 diagnosis other than bipolar disorder (BD-I or BD-II), or a current comorbid psychiatric disorder that, in the opinion of the investigators, would confound outcome assessment or interfere with safe participation. 3. History of seizures or any condition / concurrent medication that could notably lower seizure threshold. 4. Met criteria for any significant substance use disorder (by DSM-V criteria) in the 6 months prior to screening. 5. History or presence of significant neurological disorder (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease or other movement disorder, epilepsy). 6. History or presence of significant heart condition (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure \> stage 2, angina pectoris, bradycardia or tachycardia at the baseline assessment, uncontrolled hypertension). 7. MRI contraindication, including presence of foreign metal bodies or implants, implanted or conductive objects in or near the head (e.g., stents, deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, aneurysm coils, ocular implants, cochlear implants), permanent make-up. 8. Individuals who are nursing, pregnant, or contemplating pregnancy within the length of study participation. 9. Abnormal bloodwork for electrolytes, thyroid, or liver function. 10. History or presence of any disorder or medical condition that, in the opinion of the study team, may compromise, interfere, or limit the individual's ability to complete the intervention or study procedures.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Bipolar 1 depression are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
-
Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, 10065, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Gut bacteria may hold clues to dozens of diseases
- Blood test could predict success of online therapy for depression?
- Exercise as medicine? trial tests ways to boost activity in bipolar disorder
- Can the immune system hold the key to treating resistant mental illness?
- Gold nanoparticles may make lithium therapy safer and more effective
- Talking back to stigma: can psychoeducation ease the hidden burden of bipolar disorder?