Transcranial direct current stimulation therapy for bipolar depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Community-based transcranial direct current stimulation treatment for bipolar depression
IRAS ID
308690
Contact name
Cynthia H.Y. Fu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 27 days
Research summary
Individuals with bipolar disorder spend more time depressed than manic or hypomanic. However, there are fewer treatments for bipolar depression than for the manic phase. It usually takes weeks to months of trial and error to find the right treatment or combination of treatments, and they usually have side effects.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a potential new treatment for bipolar depression. In tDCS, a mild current is generated by two small metal discs through a headband that is worn over the forehead. The current makes it easier for brain cells to discharge or to fire. tDCS does not trigger brain cells to discharge directly, and it does not cause a seizure like ECT.
Research studies have found that a course of tDCS sessions can help to improve depression. However, most studies have given tDCS in a research clinic. This is a problem because the treatment involves daily visits for a few weeks.
As tDCS is a portable and safe, it can be given at home. In our research, we have been giving tDCS to individuals with depression while they have been at home and with a study team member present at each session by video call. We have found that a course of tDCS treatment helps to improve depression. Importantly, participants like having the tDCS sessions at home and would recommend the treatment.
The most common side effects have been tingling feelings and itchiness, mild redness on the forehead, which lasts for a short while, and a few participants have noticed a mild headache.
For this project, we will look at whether tDCS can help individuals with bipolar disorder who are currently suffering from depression. We will provide a course of tDCS treatment at home with a study team member present at each visit by video call. Each session is 30 minutes, and there are 5 sessions a week for 3 weeks and then 2 sessions a week for another 3 weeks.
We will look at how depressive symptoms improve with the treatment and how participants feel about having the sessions at home. Findings from this project will offer a potential new first-line treatment for bipolar depression.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0910
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion