Using brain imaging to personalize electric stimulation for treating anhedonia in bipolar depression
Developing Brain Imaging Analysis Expertise for Personalizing Transcranial Electric Stimulation in Anhedonia Treatment of Patients With Bipolar Depression
NA · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT05240352
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help people with bipolar depression who struggle to feel pleasure and see if it makes a difference in their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05240352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder who exhibit clinically significant anhedonia and mild depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric conditions, substance abuse issues, or specific contraindications for tDCS may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for patients suffering from anhedonia associated with bipolar depression.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in treating depression has been explored, this specific approach focusing on personalized brain imaging analysis is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Anhedonia, bipolar depression