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Transcranial Electric Stimulation for Anhedonia in Bipolar Depression

This study is looking into whether transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), a device that delivers a mild electrical current, can help people with bipolar depression who experience anhedonia (a reduced ability to feel pleasure). Researchers want to see if tDCS changes a specific part of the brain called the uncinate fasciculus (UF), which is involved in reward. They will also check if these brain changes are linked to improvements in anhedonia symptoms. You may be able to join if you are 18-50 years old, have bipolar disorder, and experience significant anhedonia and mild depression. The study aims to enroll 45 participants. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 45 participants. Participants will receive either active tDCS or a sham (inactive) tDCS device.
What's involved
Participants will receive tDCS for 30 minutes per session, Monday to Friday, for two weeks, plus one additional session two and four weeks later.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint, changes in the uncinate fasciculus, will be measured at baseline and 6 weeks.

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NCT05240352

Developing Brain Imaging Analysis Expertise for Personalizing Transcranial Electric Stimulation in Anhedonia Treatment of Patients With Bipolar Depression

Recruiting
NAAges 18–50InterventionalTreatment
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
~45 participants
Updated 2026-02-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:active tDCSsham tDCS

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
change in the fractional anisotropy of the uncinate fasciculus
Measured over baseline, 6 weeks

Conditions

Anhedonia

Explore related trials

AnhedoniaBipolar DisorderDepression

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Texas1

Study leadership

  • Jair C Soares, MD,PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Who to contact

Jair C Soares, MD,PhD
[email protected]
(713) 486-6663
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

Exclusion

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

What this trial measures

  • change in the fractional anisotropy of the uncinate fasciculusbaseline, 6 weeks

    Change in the fractional anisotropy of the uncinate fasciculus as assessed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)