Improving emotion regulation in bipolar disorder using brain stimulation
Official title: Targeting Emotion Regulation in Bipolar Disorder with Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation: A Mechanistic Study
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11105794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special type of brain stimulation can help people with bipolar disorder better manage their emotions, and it’s for anyone who wants to find new ways to feel more stable and improve their daily life.
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 start | June 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,709 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136276-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder who experience significant challenges with emotion regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bipolar disorder or those who are not experiencing difficulties with emotion regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific type of brain stimulation, called accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (aiTBS), can enhance emotion regulation in individuals with bipolar disorder. By targeting the inferior parietal lobule, a brain region involved in managing emotions, the study aims to assess changes in brain connectivity and behavior related to emotion regulation. Participants will undergo brain imaging and perform tasks to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment compared to a placebo. The goal is to develop rapid-acting alternatives that can help stabilize mood and improve daily functioning for those affected by bipolar disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments that help individuals with bipolar disorder better manage their emotions and improve their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques for mood disorders, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though this specific application is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellard, Kristen K — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ellard, Kristen K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving emotion control in bipolar disorder with rapid noninvasive brain stimulation
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.
-
Detailed brain mapping for bipolar disorder and major depression
Researchers are using thousands of MRI scans to map fine-grained brain structure differences in people with bipolar disorder and major depression compared with people without these conditions.
-
Emotion Regulation Help for Youth in Child Welfare to Prevent Substance Use
A tablet-based program helps early adolescents in the child welfare system learn emotion regulation skills to reduce future substance use.
-
A Tablet-Based Emotion Regulation Program for Surrogate Decision-Makers of ICU Patients on Ventilation
A randomized trial tests a brief tablet program to help people who decide for ICU patients on ventilation feel less anxious and make better decisions.
-
Emotion regulation in teens in outpatient treatment for co-occurring disorders
This project studies how teens in an outpatient program for alcohol use and other mental health issues use emotion regulation skills and how this affects their treatment outcomes.
-
Understanding how mood swings happen in bipolar disorder
Researchers are testing a high-tech brain imaging approach to map how emotions flare and fade in people with bipolar disorder.
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.