Improving emotion control in bipolar disorder with rapid noninvasive brain stimulation
Targeting Emotion Regulation in Bipolar Disorder with Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation: A Mechanistic Study
This project uses short sessions of rapid, noninvasive brain stimulation aimed at a specific brain area to help people with bipolar disorder improve control over emotions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325293 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would receive several sessions of accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation) targeted to a brain area involved in emotion regulation. Some participants will get real stimulation and others a sham (placebo-like) procedure so researchers can compare effects. Before and after treatment you will have brain scans (fMRI) and computer-based emotion-regulation tasks to see if brain connectivity and behavior change. The study focuses on people with bipolar disorder who are currently experiencing depression and tracks whether short-term stimulation improves emotional control and related brain networks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with bipolar disorder, particularly those in a depressive phase who can undergo MRI and TMS and meet safety criteria, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are currently manic, have implanted metal or electronic devices, a high seizure risk, or cannot undergo MRI may not be eligible or likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this could offer a faster, noninvasive way to improve emotional control and mood stability in people with bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Noninvasive brain stimulation like TMS and theta-burst has helped some people with depression, but using accelerated intermittent TBS targeted to emotion-regulation networks in bipolar disorder is a newer, more experimental approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellard, Kristen K — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ellard, Kristen K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.