RecruitingInterventional

A study of home-use brain stimulation to treat bipolar depression

This study is investigating a new way to help people with bipolar depression using a small electrical current applied to the scalp at home. Many people with bipolar depression continue to struggle with symptoms, even with standard treatments. This research wants to find out if this home-based device, called tDCS, can effectively reduce depression symptoms and is safe to use. Researchers also want to understand how acceptable and easy it is for people to use the device in their own homes, compared to a dummy (placebo) device. The study is for adults over 18 who have bipolar disorder and are currently experiencing a depressive episode. Most of the study activities will be done from a participant's home.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Enrolment target

212

Start

27 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

27 Feb 2027

Bipolar Disorder; Mental health

What is this study about?

Bipolar disorder can cause severe mood swings, including periods of deep depression. For many, these depressive symptoms can be long-lasting and difficult to manage, even with current treatments. This study is exploring a different approach called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS for short. This is a non-invasive treatment, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or needles. Instead, it uses a very small, gentle electrical current that passes through the scalp and into the brain.

The main goal of this study is to see if using a tDCS device at home can help reduce the symptoms of bipolar depression. Researchers will compare this active treatment with a 'sham' treatment, which is like a dummy device that looks and feels similar but doesn't deliver the full electrical current. This helps them understand if any improvements are truly due to the tDCS. They also want to know if the home-use device is safe and how easy it is for people to use on their own. This information could lead to new ways to support people living with bipolar depression.

Taking part in this study means you could potentially help improve treatments for bipolar depression in the future. It's important to remember that most of the study will be conducted remotely, meaning you can largely participate from the comfort of your own home, with support from the research team. The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a major public funder of health and social care research in the UK.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new home-based electrical brain stimulation for bipolar depression.
Compares active treatment with a 'dummy' (sham) device.
Aims to check if treatment is effective, safe, and easy to use at home.
Open to adults (18+) with bipolar disorder and current depression.
Participation is mainly remote, from your own home.
Potential for improved depressive symptoms and future treatments.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult volunteers, aged 18 or older, who have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and are currently experiencing a depressive episode. To be considered, your depressive symptoms need to be at least moderately severe. You should also either not be taking antidepressant medication, or if you are, you must have been on a stable dose for at least six weeks.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have a significant risk of suicide, or if you have another main mental health condition like obsessive-compulsive disorder. Certain medical conditions, a history of other brain stimulation treatments (like ECT), or current heavy alcohol or drug use would also mean you couldn't join. The research team will carefully check if this study is right for you and if it's safe for you to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and are currently experiencing depression?
Are your depressive symptoms at least moderately severe?
Are you able to provide written consent to join the study?
Are you not currently at a high risk of suicide?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, the research team will first check to make sure the study is suitable and safe for you. Then, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive the active tDCS device, and the other will receive a 'sham' (dummy) device. Neither you nor the researchers assessing your mood will know which treatment you are receiving, which helps ensure the results are fair.

You will use the study device at home for a set period. Throughout this time, you'll complete various assessments. These include interviews with a clinician and questionnaires where you report on your mood and general well-being. The device will also automatically record how often and how well you use it. The study will monitor you for any side effects. Most of these activities can be done from your own home, making participation mostly remote.

Potential risks and benefits

You might find that your depressive symptoms improve while taking part in this study. Even if you don't experience direct benefits, the information gathered could be very valuable in improving future treatments for bipolar depression. The tDCS treatment is generally well-tolerated. Some people might experience mild and temporary side effects, such as tingling, itching, a headache, or skin irritation where the device is placed. The research team will monitor everyone for side effects and provide support if needed. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (5)

Bethlem Royal Hospital
Approximate
Beckenham, England
St Nicholas Hospital (newcastle upon Tyne)
Approximate
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Warneford Hospital
Approximate
Oxford, England
The Uffculme Centre
City only
Birmingham, England
Cardiff & Vale University Lhb
City only
Cardiff, Wales

Common questions

What is tDCS?

tDCS stands for transcranial direct current stimulation. It's a non-invasive treatment that uses a very mild electrical current applied to your scalp to influence brain activity.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the dummy treatment?

No, neither you nor the researchers who check your progress will know if you're getting the active tDCS device or the 'sham' (dummy) device. This is a standard part of research to make sure the results are fair.

Can I take part if I'm on medication for bipolar disorder?

You might be able to, depending on your medication. If you are taking antidepressants, you must have been on a stable dose for at least 6 weeks before joining. Your doctor and the research team will discuss this with you.

How long will the study run for?

The study itself is expected to run from April 2026 to October 2027. Your individual involvement will be for a specific period during this time.

Where does the study take place?

While the study is run from King's College London in collaboration with NHS sites, most of the study activities will be completed from your own home. It is primarily a remote study.

How to find out more

Oluwatofunmi Olaniyan

oluwatofunmi.olaniyan@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7848 8326 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.