NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving emotion regulation in bipolar mood disorders

Official title: Neuromodulation for Enhancement of Emotion Regulation in Bipolar Mood Disorders

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10827395 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring new ways to help people with bipolar disorder manage their emotions better by using special brain imaging and stimulation techniques, with the goal of creating personalized treatments that work more effectively than what’s currently available.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2020
Project endOctober 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$199,614
NIH project number5K23MH120348-05
Project IDNIH-10827395 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bipolar mood disorders who experience significant challenges with emotion regulation.

Less likely to help

Patients with stable mood disorders or those not experiencing emotion dysregulation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates new methods to enhance emotion regulation in individuals with bipolar mood disorders, who often struggle with severe emotional instability. The approach involves using advanced neuroimaging techniques and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to identify specific brain activity patterns associated with emotion dysregulation. By targeting these patterns, the research aims to develop personalized treatment strategies that could help stabilize emotions more effectively than current therapies. The project also includes training for the research team in these innovative techniques to ensure high-quality outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for managing emotions in patients with bipolar disorder.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuromodulation techniques like TMS for mood disorders, indicating potential for success in this innovative approach.

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

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.