Personalizing Transcranial Electric Stimulation Using Brain Imaging to Treat Anhedonia in Adults With Bipolar Depression

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether transcranial direct-current stimulation tDCS can engage brain areas related to reward, focusing on the uncinate fasciculus tract connecting the orbitofrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. The study aims to see if changes in brain structure measured by fractional anisotropy relate to changes in symptoms of anhedonia in people with bipolar depression. It also explores how simulated electric fields may influence this relationship. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham tDCS. Active tDCS involves a constant current of 2mA applied for 30 minutes per session on weekdays for two weeks, plus one session each at two and four weeks later. The sham group receives a different current pattern mimicking the treatment schedule. This double-blind design helps compare effects while maintaining study objectivity. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline and six weeks for changes in brain structure and clinical symptoms of anhedonia using specific scales. The primary outcome is the change in fractional anisotropy of the uncinate fasciculus. Secondary outcomes include changes in anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia symptoms. Safety and symptom monitoring will occur throughout the study, which is expected to end in December 2026.

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