Grant: Project Grant

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that affects 1% of Canadians. It is a condition characterized by periods of severely low mood, known as depression, in addition to periods of pathologically elevated mood, known as mania. While mania is the most striking feature in bipolar disorder, individuals with bipolar disorder spend 30-50% of their time in the depressive phase of illness. Bipolar depression is usually treated with medications - such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants - or psychotherapy. Unfortunately many individuals do not respond to either of these treatments, and these individuals have limited treatment options. Recently a new form of non-invasive brain stimulation known as intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) has been found to be effective for treating depression amongst individuals who have never experienced mania (i.e., unipolar depression). Whether iTBS is effective or safe for individuals with bipolar depression is not currently known. We are proposing to conduct a clinical trial comparing iTBS with sham (or placebo) iTBS to determine if this new treatment is effective and safe for bipolar depression. We will also be conducting additional work to determine if it is cost-effective for the healthcare system. The information generated from this work will be used improve the care of individuals suffering from a serious mental illness who lack other treatment options.