Using brain stimulation to improve mood in patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression

Building Mood State Classifiers to Inform Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10872038

This study is looking at how deep brain stimulation can help people with bipolar depression who haven't found relief from other treatments, using a smartphone app to track their moods in real-time and make adjustments to their care as needed.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10872038 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to help patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBD). By utilizing a smartphone-based platform, the study aims to monitor patients' mood states in real-time through behavioral data collected from wearables. The goal is to detect changes in mood, such as transitions between depression and mania, and to adjust treatment accordingly. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the effectiveness of DBS therapy and improve the overall stability of mood in patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant bipolar depression who have not responded to standard therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder who do not have treatment-resistant symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from treatment-resistant bipolar depression.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using deep brain stimulation for mood disorders, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Bipolar Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.