Using iTBS to treat depression in bipolar II disorder

Changes in Serum miRNA and BDNF Levels in Bipolar II Depression Treated by Theta-burst Stimulation: A Randomized Sham-controlled Exploratory Study

Not applicable Interventional Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. · NCT04998097

This study is testing if a new brain stimulation treatment called iTBS can help people with bipolar II disorder who are feeling very depressed feel better faster than a fake treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kaohsiung city)
Trial IDNCT04998097 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) as a treatment for patients with bipolar II disorder experiencing a major depressive episode. It aims to compare the antidepressant effects of iTBS against a sham treatment in a randomized, controlled design involving 60 participants aged 20 to 65. Participants will receive 10 sessions of iTBS over two weeks while on quetiapine monotherapy, with evaluations conducted by research psychiatrists to assess mood symptoms. The study seeks to provide evidence for a potentially faster and more effective treatment option for this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-65 with a confirmed diagnosis of bipolar II disorder currently in a depressive state.

Not a fit: Patients with other major mental illnesses, significant medical or neurological disorders, or those with a history of seizures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a quicker and more effective option for managing depression in patients with bipolar II disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the antidepressant effects of iTBS for major depressive disorder are well established, its application for bipolar II depression is still under investigation, making this a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. The Chinese Version of Modified Schedule of Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia-Life Time (SADS-L) and DSM-IV-TR will be conducted for confirmation of the diagnosis of BD-II.
2. Aged 20-65.
3. HDRS and YMRS will be used to evaluate severity of mood symptoms. Only patients in deressive state (HDRS≧18) will be recruited.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any DSM-IV-TR Axis I diagnosis, including organic mental disorders, substance use disorder, and other major and minor mental illnesses other than BD-II.
2. Any significant medical illness.
3. Any neurological disorders.
4. Any poorly controlled physical illness that might influence the interview and study results.
5. Any form of metal implants.
6. Any history of seizures, or medications known to lower seizure threshold.
7. History of exposure to TMS or electroconvulsive therapy.

Where this trial is running

Kaohsiung city

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.
Conditions Bipolar II Disorder, Most Recent Episode Major DepressiverTMSBDNFmicro RNAcognitive function
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.