Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Using deep transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat bipolar depression

Official title: Efficacy, Tolerability, and Cognitive Effects of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Bipolar Depression: a Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Tianjin Anding Hospital · NCT06524505 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if deep transcranial magnetic stimulation can help people with bipolar depression feel better when added to their current treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorTianjin Anding Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tianjin)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 1, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2025
Study endsFebruary 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT06524505 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with bipolar depression who have not achieved remission from pharmacological treatments.

Probably not a fit

Patients with previous rTMS treatment, significant medical or psychiatric comorbidities, or those currently experiencing acute psychosis or suicidality may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) as an add-on treatment for patients with bipolar depression. It is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 100 participants who will be assigned to either the dTMS group or a sham-control group. Participants will undergo daily dTMS sessions over four weeks, with assessments of depressive symptoms and cognitive function conducted at baseline, week 2, week 4, and week 8. Blood samples will also be collected at specified intervals to monitor any physiological changes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide an effective non-pharmacological option for managing bipolar depression and improving cognitive function.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of dTMS is a relatively novel approach, previous studies have shown promising results in treating depression with similar techniques.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Confirmed diagnosis of bipolar depression;

* age between 18 and 65 years;
* a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) score \>= 17,
* a stable pharmacological regimen maintained for at least 4 weeks prior to the beginning of the treatment phase ;
* for participants who had previously received antidepressant therapy, a minimum 4-week washout period followed by re-evaluation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* a lifetime history of other psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, or severe brain injury;
* receipt of electroconvulsive therapy, rTMS, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, or other neurostimulation treatments within the previous 3 months;
* contraindications to magnetic stimulation, including epilepsy, cardiovascular disorders, or metallic implants in the head;
* the presence of hypomanic/manic symptoms at baseline or a score greater than 12 on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS);
* pregnancy or lactation.

Where it's running

  • Tianjin Anding Hospital
    Tianjin, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.