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

Who could benefit from this research

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.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Baylor College of Medicine
  Houston, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Goodman, Wayne K — Baylor College of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Goodman, Wayne K

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Mood-state classifiers to guide brain stimulation for treatment-resistant bipolar depression

  This project tests a brain stimulation therapy combined with wearable and smartphone data to help people with treatment-resistant bipolar depression regain mood stability.

  NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11392518

• Brain implants and wearables to monitor and help severe bipolar depression

  This project uses an implanted brain stimulator together with phone and wearable data to detect mood patterns and help people whose bipolar depression hasn't responded to other treatments.

  NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11178411

• Neuromodulation clues in late-life depression and its impact on mood, thinking, and daily function

  This study looks at how brain chemical systems linked to mood and movement lie behind late-life depression and its effects on thinking and frailty in older adults.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11357619

• Sex differences in how respiratory-gated tVNS affects brain, mood, and heart health in major depression

  A study at a major hospital will test whether a breathing-linked ear nerve stimulation helps mood and brain signals differently for men and women with major depression.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11301318

• Impact of prenatal immune dysregulation on brain networks related to mood in major depression

  This project looks at how immune system changes before birth may influence brain networks tied to mood and mood disorders in adults.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11301317

• Deep brain stimulation targeting the medial forebrain bundle for severe treatment‑resistant depression

  This project will use deep brain stimulation of a key brain pathway to help people whose depression hasn't improved with other treatments.

  NIH research Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · Manhasset, United States · NIH-11239120

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.