Effect of vestibular stimulation on depression in bipolar disorder

Study of the Effectiveness of Vestibular Stimulation as a Coadjuvant Treatment in the Depressive Phase of Bipolar Disorder

NA · Vest Brain,Centro de Estudios Neurovestibulares · NCT02778256

This study is testing if a new noninvasive treatment called vestibular stimulation can help people with bipolar disorder who are experiencing depression feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorVest Brain,Centro de Estudios Neurovestibulares (other)
Locations1 site (Santiago)
Trial IDNCT02778256 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of vestibular stimulation as a noninvasive treatment for the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. It involves 120 patients with bipolar type I and II, who will be randomly assigned to receive either specific vestibular stimulation or a sham treatment. The primary focus is on patients experiencing depressive symptoms for at least three weeks, with a Montgomery Asberg depression scale score of 20 or higher. The study is conducted at Vest Brain, Centro de Estudios Neurovestibulares in Chile.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with bipolar disorder type I or II currently experiencing a depressive phase.

Not a fit: Patients with a manic state or those with neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for managing depressive episodes in bipolar disorder patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown vestibular stimulation to be effective for major depression, suggesting potential for success in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* males
* females
* 3 previous weeks with depression symptoms.
* bipolar disorder type I actual depressive phase
* bipolar disorder type II actual depressive phase
* Montgomery Asberg depression scale(MADRS) score equal or more than 20
* stable psychiatric medication during 2 weeks previous the recruitment

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy
* neurologic disorder
* drugs or alcohol abuse during the 2 weeks previous the recruitment
* presence of maniac state(Young mania scale score more than 7)

Where this trial is running

Santiago

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Bipolar, depression, bipolar disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.