Magnetic pulses to the brain: a new hope for bipolar depression?
NCT ID NCT06524505
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive device called deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) can improve mood and thinking in people with bipolar depression. One hundred adults will receive either real or sham dTMS sessions over four weeks, while continuing their usual medication. The goal is to see if adding dTMS helps reduce depressive symptoms and boost cognitive function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug option to help lift depression and sharpen thinking in people with bipolar disorder.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage trial. The sham group also receives standard medication, so any added benefit of dTMS may be small or not last long. Some people may find the stimulation uncomfortable.
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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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2024
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Confirmed diagnosis of bipolar depression; * age between 18 and 65 years; * a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) score \>= 17, * a stable pharmacological regimen maintained for at least 4 weeks prior to the beginning of the treatment phase ; * for participants who had previously received antidepressant therapy, a minimum 4-week washout period followed by re-evaluation. Exclusion Criteria: * a lifetime history of other psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, or severe brain injury; * receipt of electroconvulsive therapy, rTMS, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, or other neurostimulation treatments within the previous 3 months; * contraindications to magnetic stimulation, including epilepsy, cardiovascular disorders, or metallic implants in the head; * the presence of hypomanic/manic symptoms at baseline or a score greater than 12 on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS); * pregnancy or lactation.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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
Locations
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Tianjin Anding Hospital
RECRUITINGTianjin, China
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