Recruiting

Brain Stimulation to Treat Depression in Bipolar Disorder

Plain-English translation of NCT07021508 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This clinical trial is testing a new treatment called temporal interference stimulation — a non-invasive brain stimulation technique — to see if it can safely and effectively reduce depression in people with bipolar disorder. Researchers will also use brain imaging and electrical recordings to understand how this treatment works and to find better ways to predict whether it will help you.

Depression is a major challenge for people with bipolar disorder and current treatments don't work well for everyone. This trial explores whether this new type of brain stimulation could offer a safe, effective option for people whose depression is hard to treat.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old and right-handed
you have been diagnosed with bipolar depression according to standard diagnostic criteria
you have moderate-to-severe depression symptoms (a score of 18 or higher on a depression rating scale)
you are not currently experiencing significant manic symptoms (a score of 8 or lower on a mania rating scale)
you are willing to stop psychiatric medications for 2 weeks before the study begins, or have never taken them

You likely don't qualify if…

you have metal or electronic devices in your body, such as a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or metal plates in your head
you have ever received other types of brain stimulation treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a positive pregnancy test
you have active thoughts of harming yourself or others, or a serious risk of injury
you have a history of seizures, significant head trauma, or structural brain abnormalities

What participation looks like

If you're accepted into the study, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the new brain stimulation treatment or a sham (placebo) version where you won't feel the stimulation. Throughout the trial, you'll complete brain imaging scans (MRI) and have your brain electrical activity recorded (EEG) to help researchers understand how the treatment works. You'll also complete questionnaires and rating scales to measure changes in your depression and mood.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang