View clinical trials related to Bipolar Disorder.
Filter by:This research study evaluates an experimental device for the treatment of the depressed phase of Bipolar Disorder Type II. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an experimental procedure where a device delivers an alternating magnetic field to a focal area of the brain. When the coil is placed against the scalp on the left frontal area of the head, the magnetic field is focused to a region of the brain that is thought to be involved in depression. This study is intended to test if rTMS can affect this region of the brain in a way that improves the symptoms of depression related to Bipolar Disorder Type II. The purpose of this study is to obtain safety and efficacy information regarding the use of rTMS(Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for patients in the depressed phase of Bipolar Disorder Type II.
Some people with bipolar disorder who use cannabis (marijuana) claim that it eases the symptoms of depression and mania. There are many chemicals (called cannabinoids) found in cannabis but two particular ones appear to have medicinal (therapeutic) effects. These two compounds are: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids appear to have mood, anxiety, and sedative effects as well as have antipsychotic and anticonvulsant properties. This study will try to find out if these cannabinoids can be of benefit as an add-on treatment in bipolar disorder and what effects it has on thinking power and memory.
Bipolar disorder is a chronic and recurrent illness which involves episodes of mania and depression. It is believed that disturbance of the stress hormone system (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or HPA axis) may cause thinking and memory problems and make the depressive symptoms worse in bipolar disorder. Early studies have shown that mifepristone may have antidepressant effects (may improve the symptoms of depression) and may also maintain or enhance cognition (memory and thinking functions). The purpose of this study is to determine the potential therapeutic efficacy (usefulness) of mifepristone in bipolar depression by assessing the effects of the medication on depressive symptoms and on cognition. This will be done by questionnaires and thinking tests. This study will also try to clarify the functional changes that accompany bipolar disorder by analyzing saliva samples (assessing the stress response by measuring the levels of 2 stress hormones: cortisol and DHEA).
The purpose of this study is to evaluate flexible doses (5-30 mg) of aripiprazole in patients with bipolar depression.
This study will examine whether mitochondrial function is impaired in patients with bipolar disorder. Mitrochondria are small organelles inside the cell that are responsible for energy production. Recent studies in animals and humans suggest that abnormalities of mitrochondria may be involved in bipolar depression. The study will also examine whether the food supplement Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) improves mitochondrial function and symptoms such as depressed mood, low energy, anxiety or slowness in thinking and movements in bipolar patients. CoQ10 has been used to increase cell energy production and as an antioxidant. It has had some benefit in patients with Parkinson's disease and migraine and in prolonging survival in patients with cancer and heart failure. Patients 18-65 years of age with bipolar disorder who are currently in a depressive episode of at least 4 weeks duration may be eligible for this study. The study has four phases, as follows: Phase I: Medication Withdrawal Patients taper off all psychotropic medications, usually over 1 to 2 weeks. Phase II: Baseline Evaluation After being off all medication for about 2 weeks, patients undergo the following procedures: - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The two procedures are performed in an MRI scanner. Both tests use a strong magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images that provide information on brain anatomy and chemistry. - Blood tests to assess mitochondrial function isolated from blood cells. - Skin biopsy for tests of mitochondria. A small sample of skin tissue 5 x 5 millimeters is surgically removed. Phase III: Administration of CoQ10 or Placebo Participants are randomly assigned to take either CoQ10 or placebo (an inactive look-alike substance) twice a day by mouth. While taking the study medication, patients have the following procedures periodically: - Rating scales for anxiety and depression and adverse events. - Check of vital signs. - Blood and urine sample collections. Phase IV: Study Completion At the end of the 8 weeks of treatment, patients have a physical examination and electrocardiogram, and the procedures in phase II are repeated. Participants may then receive short-term treatment (up to 12 weeks) with medications for bipolar depression, followed by referred to a community physician for long-term treatment.
This study will evaluate how effective mood stabilizers are in the treatment of bipolar disorder with comorbid alcoholism