Sound waves to the brain could tame bipolar mood swings
NCT ID NCT06482762
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early study tests whether gentle ultrasound waves aimed at the amygdala (a brain region linked to emotion) can help people with bipolar disorder. Twenty adults with bipolar will receive the ultrasound and have brain scans to see if it calms overactive emotion circuits. The goal is to see if this approach is feasible and might 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
- low-intensity focused ultrasound (device)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive, drug-free way to ease mood symptoms in bipolar disorder.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study (20 people) testing feasibility. It may not show clear benefit, and the effects on mood are uncertain.
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
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
-
About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jul 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
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 64 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. Primary diagnosis of BD (can be BD-I or BD-II) 2. Age 18-64 3. Normal or corrected-to normal vision and hearing 4. YMRS ≤ 12 5. BDI ≥ 14 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Active neurological disorder 2. Current psychosis symptoms 3. MRI scan contraindications (e.g., metal implant, claustrophobia, weigh over 250 pounds, etc.) 4. YMRS \> 13 5. BDI \< 14
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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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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