Using brain imaging to personalize electric stimulation for treating anhedonia in bipolar depression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) on the brain's reward circuitry in patients with bipolar depression experiencing anhedonia. It aims to determine if tDCS can engage the uncinate fasciculus, a brain tract connecting key regions involved in reward processing, and whether changes in this tract correlate with improvements in anhedonia symptoms. The study will also explore how simulated electric fields may influence these associations. Participants will receive either active or sham tDCS to assess its efficacy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and clinically significant anhedonia
* mild symptoms of depression

Exclusion Criteria:

* substance abuse/dependence and any use of drugs (except alcohol or nicotine) in the previous month of the baseline assessment
* participants with personality disorder that would interfere with study participation according to clinical judgment
* previous neurological conditions (epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, etc)
* any severe, life-threatening non-psychiatric medical condition
* specific contraindications for tDCS (metallic plates in the head)
* Participants identified as acutely suicidal or severely agitated

Where it's running

• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jair C Soares, MD,PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
• Study coordinator: Jair C Soares, MD,PhD
• Email: UTMoodDisorders@uth.tmc.edu
• Phone: (713) 486-6663

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.