![](/images/graphics-bg.png)
The Bipolar Depression Electrical Treatment Trial (BETTER): Design, Rationale, and Objectives of a Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial and Data from the Pilot Study Phase
Joint Authors
Benseñor, Isabela Judith Martins
Tortella, Gabriel
Brunoni, André R.
Lafer, Beny
Pereira Junior, Bernardo de Sampaio
Nunes, Paula
Lotufo, Paulo Andrade
Machado-Vieira, Rodrigo
Source
Issue
Vol. 2015, Issue 2015 (31 Dec. 2015), pp.1-10, 10 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2015-03-24
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
10
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Bipolar depression (BD) is a prevalent condition, with poor therapeutic options and a high degree of refractoriness.
This justifies the development of novel treatment strategies, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) that showed promising results in unipolar depression.
Methods.
We describe a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded trial using tDCS for refractory, acutely symptomatic BD (the bipolar depression electrical treatment trial, BETTER).
Sixty patients will be enrolled and assessed with clinical and neuropsychological tests.
The primary outcome is change (over time and across groups) in the scores of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17 items).
Biological markers such as blood neurotrophins and interleukins, genetic polymorphisms, heart rate variability, and motor cortical excitability will be assessed.
Twelve anodal-left/cathodal-right 2 mA tDCS sessions over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex will be performed in 6 weeks.
Results.
In the pilot phase, five patients received active tDCS and were double-blindly assessed, two presenting clinical response.
TDCS was well-tolerated, with no changes in cognitive scores.
Conclusion.
This upcoming clinical trial will address the efficacy of tDCS for BD on different degrees of refractoriness.
The evaluation of biological markers will also help in understanding the pathophysiology of BD and the mechanisms of action of tDCS.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Pereira Junior, Bernardo de Sampaio& Tortella, Gabriel& Lafer, Beny& Nunes, Paula& Benseñor, Isabela Judith Martins& Lotufo, Paulo Andrade…[et al.]. 2015. The Bipolar Depression Electrical Treatment Trial (BETTER): Design, Rationale, and Objectives of a Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial and Data from the Pilot Study Phase. Neural Plasticity،Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1075392
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Pereira Junior, Bernardo de Sampaio…[et al.]. The Bipolar Depression Electrical Treatment Trial (BETTER): Design, Rationale, and Objectives of a Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial and Data from the Pilot Study Phase. Neural Plasticity No. 2015 (2015), pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1075392
American Medical Association (AMA)
Pereira Junior, Bernardo de Sampaio& Tortella, Gabriel& Lafer, Beny& Nunes, Paula& Benseñor, Isabela Judith Martins& Lotufo, Paulo Andrade…[et al.]. The Bipolar Depression Electrical Treatment Trial (BETTER): Design, Rationale, and Objectives of a Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial and Data from the Pilot Study Phase. Neural Plasticity. 2015. Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1075392
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1075392