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Low Field Magnetic Stimulation: Imaging Biomarkers in Geriatric Bipolar Depression

Low Field Magnetic Stimulation: Imaging Biomarkers in Geriatric Bipolar Depression

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03484494
Acronym
LFMSBioMGeri
Enrollment
40
Registered
2018-03-30
Start date
2018-05-29
Completion date
2026-07-21
Last updated
2026-03-23

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Bipolar Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder

Keywords

Geriatric, Low Field Magnetic Stimulation, Antidepressant, fMRI, MRS

Brief summary

The protocol involves functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging acquisitions immediately before and after Low Field Magnetic Stimulation treatment on two separate days in a sham controlled, randomized trial, in order to assess the physiologic effects of Low Field Magnetic Stimulation on brain function in a geriatric population with bipolar depression.

Detailed description

In this study, the investigators will examine changes in brain activity from Low Field Magnetic Stimulation in subjects over the age of 50 with bipolar disorder who are currently depressed using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Following screening visits, study procedures include two visits, at least two weeks apart, during which subjects will complete brief mood scales, undergo up to 15 minutes of imaging, receive 20 minutes of Low Field Magnetic Stimulation treatment, and then return to the scanner to undergo up to 15 minutes of imaging procedures. Due to the crossover design, subjects receiving active treatment during the first visit will receive sham treatment during the second visit; subjects receiving sham treatment during the first visit will receive active treatment during the second visit. A follow-up phone call will occur at least two days after each imaging/treatment visit. The main endpoint of this study is the observation of changes in resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging activity in post-treatment acquisitions as compared to pre-treatment acquisitions.

Interventions

Low Field Magnetic Stimulation is an application of a series of electromagnetic pulses to the brain through a small cylinder that the subject places the top of their head inside.

Sponsors

Mclean Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Masking description

The device is operated using subject-specific links on a laptop. The active or sham identity of the links is prepared automatically and not known to study staff or participants.

Intervention model description

This is a sham controlled, randomized, double blinded crossover design study of immediate change to brain activity caused by Low Field Magnetic Stimulation.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Subjects will have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Type I or II, current episode depressed as measure by a MADRS ≥ 20. 2. Subjects must be maintained on a stable dose of all psychotropic medications for a period of at least two weeks prior to screening. 3. Subjects must be capable of providing informed consent. 4. Subjects must permanently reside within a 2-hour drive of McLean Hospital. 5. Subjects must be currently seen by a provider (psychiatrist, therapist, PCP) whose practice is within a 2-hour drive of McLean Hospital.

Exclusion criteria

1. Dangerous or active suicidal ideation, as measured by the C-SSRS (see "Safety Measures" section), and physician evaluation. 2. Subjects meeting DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychotic disorders, or dementia. 3. Current mania as defined by a score of ≥ 10 on the Young Mania Rating Scale at screening. 4. Subject has an MMSE score ≤ 24. 5. Subject is pregnant or plans on becoming pregnant. 6. Subject has recent history (within 7 days of screening) of ECT or TMS treatment. 7. Subject has recent history of substance abuse (cannot meet DSM-5 criteria for substance abuse, no significant drug abuse within last 3 months, no history of dependence in last year, no drug use within last month, other than marijuana use). 8. Subject has any contraindication for MRI (i.e. Presence of a pacemaker, neurostimulator, or metal in head or neck).

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in resting state brain activity measured by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.Resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging data are acquired 4 times, twice within one hour during imaging visit 1 and twice within one hour during imaging visit 2 which occurs at least two weeks later.Comparison of change in brain activity occurring over the time of treatment, compared between active and sham treatment visits. This is assessed by combining pre and post treatment measures made during active and sham treatment visits using the following formula: (post active treatment - pre active treatment) - ( post sham - pre sham). The brain activity is measured using blood oxygenation level dependent image of brain activity acquired in the resting state using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Countries

United States

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORDavid G Harper, PhD

Mclean Hospital

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 24, 2026