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CompletedNCT05445466Updated Nov 6, 2025Results posted

Causal Lesion Network Guided Treatment of Bipolar Mania With Transcranial Electrical Stimulation

An interventional study of High-Definition Transcranial Electrical-Current Stimulation and High-Definition Transcranial Alternate-Current Stimulation in Bipolar Disorder and Schizo Affective Disorder, sponsored by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-11-06.

Sponsored by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
14
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 65 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

Mania is a core symptom of bipolar disorder involving periods of euphoria. Decreased inhibitory control, increased risk-taking behaviors, and aberrant reward processing are some of the more recognized symptoms of bipolar disorder and are included in the diagnostic criteria for mania. Current drug therapies for mania are frequently intolerable, ineffective, and carry significant risk for side effects. Presently there are no neurobiologically informed therapies that treat or prevent mania. However, using a newly validated technique termed lesion network mapping, researchers demonstrated that focal brain lesions having a causal role in the development of mania in people without a psychiatric history can occur in different brain locations, such as the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG). This lesion network evidence converges with existing cross-sectional and longitudinal observations in bipolar mania that have identified specific disruptions in network communication between the amygdala and ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex. The OFC is associated with inhibitory control, risk-taking behavior, and reward learning which are major components of bipolar mania. Thus, the association between OFC with mania symptoms, inhibitory control, risk-taking behavior, and reward processing suggests that this region could be targeted using non-invasive brain stimulation.

Read the detailed description

Mania is a core symptom of bipolar disorder involving periods of euphoria, delusions, and overactivity. Mania occurs in multiple medical and psychiatric illnesses and can be refractory to existing treatments. Two recent studies using brain lesion mapping of psychiatrically healthy individuals presenting with mania identified causal locations in the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and inferior temporal gyrus (ITG), that were associated with new onset mania symptoms. Moreover, these identified brain regions have also been implicated in bipolar mania with specific disruption in network communication between the amygdala and ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex. The OFC is of particular interest because it is a brain structure that is associated with inhibitory control, risk-taking behavior and reward, which are major behavioral components of mania. Thus, the association between OFC with mania symptoms, inhibitory control, risk-taking behavior and reward suggests that this region could be targeted using noninvasive brain stimulation. While several studies have non-invasively targeted the DLPFC for mania, no study to date has non-invasively stimulated the OFC with either transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or alternating current (tACS) in bipolar disorder and examined its effects on mania, inhibitory control, or risk-taking behavior. However, a study in healthy volunteers showed that cathodal stimulation to the OFC enhanced inhibitory control and decreased risk-taking behavior. Recently, researches have showed that targeting the OFC with tACS, personalized to the individual's intrinsic beta-gamma frequency of the reward network, that individuals showed rapid, reversible, frequency-specific modulation of reward-guided choice behavior and learning. Here we aim to answer the question of whether noninvasive brain stimulation when optimally targeted and personalized to an individual's beta-gamma frequency to the OFC can improve emotional cognitive processing and mania symptoms compared to tDCS or sham targeting. The knowledge gained from this study will provide a marker for clinical response and allow personalized treatment for patients with bipolar disorder.

02

Conditions studied

  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Schizo Affective Disorder

Keywords

  • Brain Stimulation
  • Mania
03

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 65 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  1. Aged 18-65 years of age
  2. Proficient in English
  3. Able to give informed consent
  4. Meet diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type as verified by the SCID
  5. History of mania ( >1 lifetime episode)
  6. Experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of mania
  7. No changes to mood stabilizing medications for a period of 2 weeks prior to participation
  8. Has not recently participated in tES/TMS treatments

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Substance abuse or dependence (w/in past 6 months)
  2. Those who are pregnant/breastfeeding
  3. History of head injury with > 15 minutes of loss of consciousness/mal sequelae
  4. DSM-V intellectual disability
  5. Having a non-removable ferromagnetic metal within the body (particularly in the head)
  6. History of seizures
04

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Quadruple (Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
14 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    HD-tDCS

    HD-tDCS; Two, twenty-minute sessions of tDCS to the OFC for 5 days (10 total sessions)

    Device: High-Definition Transcranial Electrical-Current Stimulation

  • Active comparator
    HD-tACS (alpha, 10 Hz)

    10 Hz HD-tACS; Two, twenty-minute sessions of tACS to the OFC for 5 days (10 total sessions).

    Device: High-Definition Transcranial Alternate-Current Stimulation

  • Active comparator
    Personalized Beta-Gamma HD-tACS

    Personalized HD-tACS; Two, twenty-minute sessions of tACS to the OFC for 5 days (10 total sessions).

    Device: High-Definition Personalized Beta-Gamma Electrical Stimulation

Interventions

  • DeviceHigh-Definition Transcranial Electrical-Current Stimulation

    Non-frequency dependent transcranial electrical stimulation condition for 5 days of twice a day treatment

    Also known as: Soterix Medical, GTEN 200

  • DeviceHigh-Definition Transcranial Alternate-Current Stimulation

    Active-control stimulation condition will target alpha (10 Hz) for 5 days of twice a day treatment

    Also known as: Soterix Medical, GTEN 200

  • DeviceHigh-Definition Personalized Beta-Gamma Electrical Stimulation

    Personalized beta-gamma electrical stimulation for 5 days of twice a day treatment

    Also known as: Soterix Medical, GTEN 200

05

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)

    Measuring total Mania scores; 11 items used to access severity of mania (total score 0-60); higher scores represent higher severity of symptoms

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  2. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)

    Measuring total Mania scores; 11 items used to access severity of mania (total score 0-60); higher scores represent higher severity of symptoms

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  3. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)

    Measuring total Mania scores; 11 items used to access severity of mania (total score 0-60); higher scores represent higher severity of symptoms

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  4. Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)

    The ASRM is a 5-item self rating mania scale, assessing the presence and severity of manic symptoms. The scores for all five items are added together, resulting in a total score that can range from 0 to 20. A score of 6 or higher indicates a high probability of a manic or hypomanic condition.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  5. Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)

    The ASRM is a 5-item self rating mania scale, assessing the presence and severity of manic symptoms. The scores for all five items are added together, resulting in a total score that can range from 0 to 20. A score of 6 or higher indicates a high probability of a manic or hypomanic condition.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  6. Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)

    The ASRM is a 5-item self rating mania scale, assessing the presence and severity of manic symptoms. The scores for all five items are added together, resulting in a total score that can range from 0 to 20. A score of 6 or higher indicates a high probability of a manic or hypomanic condition.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  7. Psychiatric Hospitalizations for Mania Post Study Entry

    Psychiatric hospitalization for mania. Count of hospitalizations from baseline to end of study period assessed at Day 5, 1 Month \& 3 Month.

    Time frame: Cumulative count of hospitalizations for mania from baseline to end of study

Secondary outcomes

  1. Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)

    The BART is a computerized task the measures risk-taking behavior. Participants are tasked with inflating the virtual balloon. The number of pumps a participant chooses to make on each balloon is used as a measure of their risk-taking behavior. More pumps generally indicate a higher tolerance for risk. The balloon bursts at a given point if the participant overfills it. Number of popped balloons reported for a given trial.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  2. Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)

    The BART is a computerized task the measures risk-taking behavior. Participants are tasked with inflating the virtual balloon. The number of pumps a participant chooses to make on each balloon is used as a measure of their risk-taking behavior. More pumps generally indicate a higher tolerance for risk. The balloon bursts at a given point if the participant overfills it. Number of popped balloons reported for a given trial.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  3. Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)

    The BART is a computerized task the measures risk-taking behavior. Participants are tasked with inflating the virtual balloon. The number of pumps a participant chooses to make on each balloon is used as a measure of their risk-taking behavior. More pumps generally indicate a higher tolerance for risk. The balloon bursts at a given point if the participant overfills it. Number of popped balloons reported for a given trial.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  4. The Go/No Go Task

    The Go/No Go Task is a computerized task that measures impulsiveness. Participants presented with Go (to respond) and no Go (when not to respond) instructions. Two trials are performed. The first trial consist of two distinct auditory stimuli (both Go stimuli) where the participant is asked to respond with a different number of mouse clicks to the stimuli respectively. The second trial, has a no Go stimuli (where the participant is suppose to withhold a response) and a go stimuli. Reaction time for correct trials only for the entire task are reported in milliseconds.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  5. The Go/No Go Task

    The Go/No Go Task is a computerized task that measures impulsiveness. Participants presented with Go (to respond) and no Go (when not to respond) instructions. Two trials are performed. The first trial consist of two distinct auditory stimuli (both Go stimuli) where the participant is asked to respond with a different number of mouse clicks to the stimuli respectively. The second trial, has a no Go stimuli (where the participant is suppose to withhold a response) and a go stimuli. Reaction time for correct trials only for the entire task are reported in milliseconds.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  6. The Go/No Go Task

    The Go/No Go Task is a computerized task that measures impulsiveness. Participants presented with Go (to respond) and no Go (when not to respond) instructions. Two trials are performed. The first trial consist of two distinct auditory stimuli (both Go stimuli) where the participant is asked to respond with a different number of mouse clicks to the stimuli respectively. The second trial, has a no Go stimuli (where the participant is suppose to withhold a response) and a go stimuli. Reaction time for correct trials only for the entire task are reported in milliseconds.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  7. Electroencephalography (EEG) Resting State

    Measuring neural activity at rest consisting of 5 minutes of eyes-open resting-state EEG (rsEEG) was recorded. Fast Fourier transformations were conducted on data, resulting in 4 frequency bands: delta/theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  8. Electroencephalography (EEG) Resting State

    Measuring neural activity at rest consisting of 5 minutes of eyes-open resting-state EEG (rsEEG) was recorded. Fast Fourier transformations were conducted on data, resulting in 4 frequency bands: delta/theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  9. Electroencephalography (EEG) Resting State

    Measuring neural activity at rest consisting of 5 minutes of eyes-open resting-state EEG (rsEEG) was recorded. Fast Fourier transformations were conducted on data, resulting in 4 frequency bands: delta/theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  10. Reinforcement Learning Task

    The reinforcement learning task is a monetary based learning tasks that included reward and punishment trails. The task presents multiple trials of stimuli where the participant chooses 1 of 2 stimuli presented at a time (one of which is associated with punishment represented by loss of monetary reward while the other is associated with gain of monetary reward). EEG is record during the task and signal is captured during the participants choose and the feedback received. Reported is the peak beta/gamma range response derived from the EEG during reward feedback. This measurement is used from the baseline assessment to inform the personalized beta-gamma range stimulation for the Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS group.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  11. Reinforcement Learning Task

    The reinforcement learning task is a monetary based learning tasks that included reward and punishment trails. The task presents multiple trials of stimuli where the participant chooses 1 of 2 stimuli presented at a time (one of which is associated with punishment represented by loss of monetary reward while the other is associated with gain of monetary reward). EEG is record during the task and signal is captured during the participants choose and the feedback received. Reported is the peak beta/gamma range response derived from the EEG during reward feedback. This measurement is used from the baseline assessment to inform the personalized beta-gamma range stimulation for the Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS group.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  12. Reinforcement Learning Task

    The reinforcement learning task is a monetary based learning tasks that included reward and punishment trails. The task presents multiple trials of stimuli where the participant chooses 1 of 2 stimuli presented at a time (one of which is associated with punishment represented by loss of monetary reward while the other is associated with gain of monetary reward). EEG is record during the task and signal is captured during the participants choose and the feedback received. Reported is the peak beta/gamma range response derived from the EEG during reward feedback. This measurement is used from the baseline assessment to inform the personalized beta-gamma range stimulation for the Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS group.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  13. Social Functioning Scale (SFS)

    The SFS a self-report questionnaire initially designed for people diagnosed with Schizophrenia; consists of 79 items designed to reflect the social skills and performances in different areas of life. Subscores are summed together for a total score. Total score of SFS ranges between 0-223 points. Higher scores mean better social functioning.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  14. Social Functioning Scale (SFS)

    The SFS a self-report questionnaire initially designed for people diagnosed with Schizophrenia; consists of 79 items designed to reflect the social skills and performances in different areas of life. Subscores are summed together for a total score. Total score of SFS ranges between 0-223 points. Higher scores mean better social functioning.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  15. Social Functioning Scale (SFS)

    The SFS a self-report questionnaire initially designed for people diagnosed with Schizophrenia; consists of 79 items designed to reflect the social skills and performances in different areas of life. Subscores are summed together for a total score. Total score of SFS ranges between 0-223 points. Higher scores mean better social functioning.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  16. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

    The GAF measures how symptoms affect individuals day-to-day life; scored from 0 to 100

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  17. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

    The GAF measures how symptoms affect individuals day-to-day life; scored from 0 to 100

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  18. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

    The GAF measures how symptoms affect individuals day-to-day life; scored from 0 to 100

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  19. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)

    30 items included in the PANSS measuring positive, negative and general symptoms; 7 related to positive symptoms, 7 for negative symptoms, and 16 for general psychopathology Scale. Ranges are 7 to 49 for the Positive and Negative Scales, and 16 to 112 for the General Psychopathology Scale. Scores summed for Total Score on scale (30 to 210). Higher scores mean worse clinical symptoms. Total score reported.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  20. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)

    30 items included in the PANSS measuring positive, negative and general symptoms; 7 related to positive symptoms, 7 for negative symptoms, and 16 for general psychopathology Scale. Ranges are 7 to 49 for the Positive and Negative Scales, and 16 to 112 for the General Psychopathology Scale. Scores summed for Total Score on scale (30 to 210). Higher scores mean worse clinical symptoms. Total score reported.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  21. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)

    30 items included in the PANSS measuring positive, negative and general symptoms; 7 related to positive symptoms, 7 for negative symptoms, and 16 for general psychopathology Scale. Ranges are 7 to 49 for the Positive and Negative Scales, and 16 to 112 for the General Psychopathology Scale. Scores summed for Total Score on scale (30 to 210). Higher scores mean worse clinical symptoms. Total score reported.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  22. Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

    The MADRS is designed to measure depression and severity of symptoms; 0 to 6 indicates no depression, 7 to 19 indicates mild depression, 20 to 34 indicates moderate depression, 35 and greater indicates severe depression. Total score reported (0 to 60).

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  23. Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

    The MADRS is designed to measure depression and severity of symptoms; 0 to 6 indicates no depression, 7 to 19 indicates mild depression, 20 to 34 indicates moderate depression, 35 and greater indicates severe depression. Total score reported (0 to 60).

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  24. Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

    The MADRS is designed to measure depression and severity of symptoms; 0 to 6 indicates no depression, 7 to 19 indicates mild depression, 20 to 34 indicates moderate depression, 35 and greater indicates severe depression. Total score reported (0 to 60).

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  25. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)

    The BIS-11 is designed to assess the personality/behavioral impulsiveness. The BIS-11 has 30 items and is scored appropriately. Scored to yield a total score, three second-order factors, and six first-order factors. Each question has a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (rarely/never) to 4 (almost always/always). Higher scores mean more impulsive behavior. Total score reported (30-120).

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  26. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)

    The BIS-11 is designed to assess the personality/behavioral impulsiveness. The BIS-11 has 30 items and is scored appropriately. Scored to yield a total score, three second-order factors, and six first-order factors. Each question has a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (rarely/never) to 4 (almost always/always). Higher scores mean more impulsive behavior. Total score reported (30-120).

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  27. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)

    The BIS-11 is designed to assess the personality/behavioral impulsiveness. The BIS-11 has 30 items and is scored appropriately. Scored to yield a total score, three second-order factors, and six first-order factors. Each question has a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (rarely/never) to 4 (almost always/always). Higher scores mean more impulsive behavior. Total score reported (30-120).

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

  28. Brief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)

    The BACS is designed to assess several domains of cognition; Verbal Memory; Processing Speed; Working Memory; Verbal Fluency; Motor Function; Executive Functioning. Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning. Total score reported after being transformed into z score based on normative scoring provide by test makers.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up

  29. Brief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)

    The BACS is designed to assess several domains of cognition; Verbal Memory; Processing Speed; Working Memory; Verbal Fluency; Motor Function; Executive Functioning. Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning. Total score reported after being transformed into z score based on normative scoring provide by test makers.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up

  30. Brief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)

    The BACS is designed to assess several domains of cognition; Verbal Memory; Processing Speed; Working Memory; Verbal Fluency; Motor Function; Executive Functioning. Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning. Total score reported after being transformed into z score based on normative scoring provide by test makers.

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up

06

Results

Posted Nov 6, 2025
Limitations and caveats
Overall recruitment numbers were low which led to small numbers of subjects analyzed.

Participant flow

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestoneHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma HD-tACS
Started545
Day 5545
1 month545
3 month324
Completed324
Not completed221

Outcome measures

PrimaryYoung Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)

Measuring total Mania scores; 11 items used to access severity of mania (total score 0-60); higher scores represent higher severity of symptoms

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline5.5 (0.5 to 6)11.8 (9.575 to 13.25)7.5 (5.5 to 8)
Day 53 (2 to 3.5)8 (4.75 to 11.125)3 (1.5 to 13)
PrimaryYoung Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)

Measuring total Mania scores; 11 items used to access severity of mania (total score 0-60); higher scores represent higher severity of symptoms

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline5.5 (0.5 to 6)11.8 (9.575 to 13.25)7.5 (5.5 to 8)
1 Month1.5 (1.5 to 4)11 (8 to 14.25)4 (1.5 to 5.5)
PrimaryYoung Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)

Measuring total Mania scores; 11 items used to access severity of mania (total score 0-60); higher scores represent higher severity of symptoms

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline5.5 (0.5 to 6)11.8 (9.575 to 13.25)7.5 (5.5 to 8)
3 Month2.6 (1.5 to 3.5)7.5 (5 to 9.625)2 (0.5 to 7)
PrimaryAltman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)

The ASRM is a 5-item self rating mania scale, assessing the presence and severity of manic symptoms. The scores for all five items are added together, resulting in a total score that can range from 0 to 20. A score of 6 or higher indicates a high probability of a manic or hypomanic condition.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline5 (4 to 5)7 (3.75 to 9.5)3 (3 to 5)
Day 57 (4 to 8)2 (1 to 4.25)5 (5 to 7)
PrimaryAltman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)

The ASRM is a 5-item self rating mania scale, assessing the presence and severity of manic symptoms. The scores for all five items are added together, resulting in a total score that can range from 0 to 20. A score of 6 or higher indicates a high probability of a manic or hypomanic condition.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline5 (4 to 5)7 (3.75 to 9.5)3 (3 to 5)
1 Month2 (1 to 3)4 (2.25 to 6.25)5 (5 to 6)
PrimaryAltman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)

The ASRM is a 5-item self rating mania scale, assessing the presence and severity of manic symptoms. The scores for all five items are added together, resulting in a total score that can range from 0 to 20. A score of 6 or higher indicates a high probability of a manic or hypomanic condition.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline5 (4 to 5)7 (3.75 to 9.5)3 (3 to 5)
3 Month2 (2 to 4)3.6 (2.25 to 4.5)6 (5 to 7.2)
PrimaryPsychiatric Hospitalizations for Mania Post Study Entry

Psychiatric hospitalization for mania. Count of hospitalizations from baseline to end of study period assessed at Day 5, 1 Month \& 3 Month.

Time frame:
Cumulative count of hospitalizations for mania from baseline to end of study
Reported as:
Number · number of hospitalizations
Psychiatric Hospitalizations for Mania Post Study Entry
number of hospitalizationsHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline000
Day 5000
1 Month010
3 Month000
SecondaryBalloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)

The BART is a computerized task the measures risk-taking behavior. Participants are tasked with inflating the virtual balloon. The number of pumps a participant chooses to make on each balloon is used as a measure of their risk-taking behavior. More pumps generally indicate a higher tolerance for risk. The balloon bursts at a given point if the participant overfills it. Number of popped balloons reported for a given trial.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · popped balloons
Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)
popped balloonsHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline16 (10 to 17)13.5 (11.5 to 15.25)13 (11 to 19)
Day 517 (16 to 17)13.5 (7.75 to 20)18 (14 to 25)
SecondaryBalloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)

The BART is a computerized task the measures risk-taking behavior. Participants are tasked with inflating the virtual balloon. The number of pumps a participant chooses to make on each balloon is used as a measure of their risk-taking behavior. More pumps generally indicate a higher tolerance for risk. The balloon bursts at a given point if the participant overfills it. Number of popped balloons reported for a given trial.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · popped balloons
Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)
popped balloonsHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline16 (10 to 17)13.5 (11.5 to 15.25)13 (11 to 19)
1 Month15 (15 to 16)14.1 (10.5 to 18.65)27 (17 to 28)
SecondaryBalloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)

The BART is a computerized task the measures risk-taking behavior. Participants are tasked with inflating the virtual balloon. The number of pumps a participant chooses to make on each balloon is used as a measure of their risk-taking behavior. More pumps generally indicate a higher tolerance for risk. The balloon bursts at a given point if the participant overfills it. Number of popped balloons reported for a given trial.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · popped balloons
Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)
popped balloonsHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline16 (10 to 17)13.5 (11.5 to 15.25)13 (11 to 19)
3 Month12.2 (11 to 14)14.7 (11.75 to 18.3)18 (14 to 22)
SecondaryThe Go/No Go Task

The Go/No Go Task is a computerized task that measures impulsiveness. Participants presented with Go (to respond) and no Go (when not to respond) instructions. Two trials are performed. The first trial consist of two distinct auditory stimuli (both Go stimuli) where the participant is asked to respond with a different number of mouse clicks to the stimuli respectively. The second trial, has a no Go stimuli (where the participant is suppose to withhold a response) and a go stimuli. Reaction time for correct trials only for the entire task are reported in milliseconds.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · reaction time (ms) on task
The Go/No Go Task
reaction time (ms) on taskHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline876.9768638 (675.4974359 to 923.1895604)954.3716154 (894.5683204 to 964.7482317)859.6685714 (857.6372796 to 1139.709184)
Day 5927.1679389 (925.6649616 to 1011.031746)878.0193364 (871.9321033 to 915.1828861)917.7871795 (805.0713097 to 994.2446809)
SecondaryThe Go/No Go Task

The Go/No Go Task is a computerized task that measures impulsiveness. Participants presented with Go (to respond) and no Go (when not to respond) instructions. Two trials are performed. The first trial consist of two distinct auditory stimuli (both Go stimuli) where the participant is asked to respond with a different number of mouse clicks to the stimuli respectively. The second trial, has a no Go stimuli (where the participant is suppose to withhold a response) and a go stimuli. Reaction time for correct trials only for the entire task are reported in milliseconds.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · reaction time (ms) on task
The Go/No Go Task
reaction time (ms) on taskHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline876.9768638 (675.4974359 to 923.1895604)954.3716154 (894.5683204 to 964.7482317)859.6685714 (857.6372796 to 1139.709184)
1 Month923.5850515 (914.8220551 to 939.1815857)919.8986144 (910.2266457 to 942.2465073)880.3450882 (838.5765306 to 993.5419847)
SecondaryThe Go/No Go Task

The Go/No Go Task is a computerized task that measures impulsiveness. Participants presented with Go (to respond) and no Go (when not to respond) instructions. Two trials are performed. The first trial consist of two distinct auditory stimuli (both Go stimuli) where the participant is asked to respond with a different number of mouse clicks to the stimuli respectively. The second trial, has a no Go stimuli (where the participant is suppose to withhold a response) and a go stimuli. Reaction time for correct trials only for the entire task are reported in milliseconds.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · reaction time (ms) on task
The Go/No Go Task
reaction time (ms) on taskHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline876.9768638 (675.4974359 to 923.1895604)954.3716154 (894.5683204 to 964.7482317)859.6685714 (857.6372796 to 1139.709184)
3 Month931.8461538 (902.5325077 to 953.3693886)925.0182573 (897.7525324 to 951.0867497)845.64 (803.9641944 to 930.8737113)
SecondaryElectroencephalography (EEG) Resting State

Measuring neural activity at rest consisting of 5 minutes of eyes-open resting-state EEG (rsEEG) was recorded. Fast Fourier transformations were conducted on data, resulting in 4 frequency bands: delta/theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · peak amplitude measured in microvolts
Electroencephalography (EEG) Resting State
peak amplitude measured in microvoltsHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline Delta/Theta-9.261 (-9.654 to -8.720)-7.555 (-8.544 to -4.817)-6.410 (-9.009 to -5.245)
Baseline Alpha-13.336 (-13.435 to -12.118)-8.834 (-9.639 to -6.513)-11.185 (-12.112 to -6.792)
Baseline Beta-17.191 (-18.932 to -17.076)-11.636 (-13.139 to -10.309)-17.344 (-18.287 to -16.151)
Baseline Gamma-21.651 (-23.656 to -20.064)-17.087 (-18.618 to -15.387)-24.011 (-24.143 to -20.892)
Day 5 Delta/Theta-8.844 (-10.331 to -8.711)-3.373 (-4.858 to -1.851)-3.567 (-8.164 to -3.369)
Day 5 Alpha-12.946 (-14.470 to -11.370)-8.241 (-9.049 to -6.130)-8.445 (-12.857 to -6.938)
Day 5 Beta-17.898 (-17.968 to -16.311)-12.266 (-13.787 to -10.604)-16.360 (-16.494 to -16.166)
Day 5 Gamma-20.695 (-22.511 to -20.690)-16.232 (-18.035 to -15.364)-22.996 (-24.261 to -22.019)
SecondaryElectroencephalography (EEG) Resting State

Measuring neural activity at rest consisting of 5 minutes of eyes-open resting-state EEG (rsEEG) was recorded. Fast Fourier transformations were conducted on data, resulting in 4 frequency bands: delta/theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · peak amplitude measured in microvolts
Electroencephalography (EEG) Resting State
peak amplitude measured in microvoltsHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline Delta/Theta-9.261 (-9.654 to -8.720)-7.555 (-8.544 to -4.817)-6.410 (-9.009 to -5.245)
Baseline Alpha-13.336 (-13.435 to -12.118)-8.834 (-9.639 to -6.513)-11.185 (-12.112 to -6.792)
Baseline Beta-17.191 (-18.932 to -17.076)-11.636 (-13.139 to -10.309)-17.344 (-18.287 to -16.151)
Baseline Gamma-21.651 (-23.656 to -20.064)-17.087 (-18.618 to -15.387)-24.011 (-24.143 to -20.892)
1 Month Delta/Theta-9.775 (-10.242 to -8.359)-8.373 (-9.455 to -7.109)-4.015 (-8.554 to -3.696)
1 Month Alpha-14.921 (-15.199 to -11.276)-11.520 (-12.060 to -10.555)-10.646 (-12.675 to -7.025)
1 Month Beta-16.627 (-17.518 to -16.425)-13.489 (-14.057 to -13.213)-17.502 (-18.891 to -16.455)
1 Month Gamma-19.358 (-19.363 to -19.102)-19.739 (-21.221 to -18.424)-22.594 (-24.795 to -21.966)
SecondaryElectroencephalography (EEG) Resting State

Measuring neural activity at rest consisting of 5 minutes of eyes-open resting-state EEG (rsEEG) was recorded. Fast Fourier transformations were conducted on data, resulting in 4 frequency bands: delta/theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · peak amplitude measured in microvolts
Electroencephalography (EEG) Resting State
peak amplitude measured in microvoltsHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline Delta/Theta-9.261 (-9.654 to -8.720)-7.555 (-8.544 to -4.817)-6.410 (-9.009 to -5.245)
Baseline Alpha-13.336 (-13.435 to -12.118)-8.834 (-9.639 to -6.513)-11.185 (-12.112 to -6.792)
Baseline Beta-17.191 (-18.932 to -17.076)-11.636 (-13.139 to -10.309)-17.344 (-18.287 to -16.151)
Baseline Gamma-21.651 (-23.656 to -20.064)-17.087 (-18.618 to -15.387)-24.011 (-24.143 to -20.892)
3 Month Delta/Theta-8.764 (-9.704 to -8.220)-7.362 (-8.040 to -6.876)-3.686 (-8.560 to -3.538)
3 Month Alpha-14.041 (-14.599 to -12.839)-10.615 (-10.914 to -9.682)-7.918 (-11.435 to -7.331)
3 Month Beta-17.323 (-18.195 to -17.186)-13.074 (-13.410 to -12.645)-17.643 (-18.436 to -16.060)
3 Month Gamma-21.479 (-21.743 to -20.864)-19.348 (-20.173 to -17.743)-23.863 (-24.238 to -23.257)
SecondaryReinforcement Learning Task

The reinforcement learning task is a monetary based learning tasks that included reward and punishment trails. The task presents multiple trials of stimuli where the participant chooses 1 of 2 stimuli presented at a time (one of which is associated with punishment represented by loss of monetary reward while the other is associated with gain of monetary reward). EEG is record during the task and signal is captured during the participants choose and the feedback received. Reported is the peak beta/gamma range response derived from the EEG during reward feedback. This measurement is used from the baseline assessment to inform the personalized beta-gamma range stimulation for the Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS group.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · peak frequency measured in hertz
Reinforcement Learning Task
peak frequency measured in hertzHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline26 (23.5 to 29)25.25 (20 to 30.875)32 (31 to 32)
Day 528.5 (25 to 30.5)33.75 (30.5 to 35)22 (22 to 35)
SecondaryReinforcement Learning Task

The reinforcement learning task is a monetary based learning tasks that included reward and punishment trails. The task presents multiple trials of stimuli where the participant chooses 1 of 2 stimuli presented at a time (one of which is associated with punishment represented by loss of monetary reward while the other is associated with gain of monetary reward). EEG is record during the task and signal is captured during the participants choose and the feedback received. Reported is the peak beta/gamma range response derived from the EEG during reward feedback. This measurement is used from the baseline assessment to inform the personalized beta-gamma range stimulation for the Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS group.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · peak frequency measured in hertz
Reinforcement Learning Task
peak frequency measured in hertzHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline26 (23.5 to 29)25.25 (20 to 30.875)32 (31 to 32)
1 Month25 (21.5 to 30.5)28.75 (28.5 to 29.875)27.5 (22.5 to 28.5)
SecondaryReinforcement Learning Task

The reinforcement learning task is a monetary based learning tasks that included reward and punishment trails. The task presents multiple trials of stimuli where the participant chooses 1 of 2 stimuli presented at a time (one of which is associated with punishment represented by loss of monetary reward while the other is associated with gain of monetary reward). EEG is record during the task and signal is captured during the participants choose and the feedback received. Reported is the peak beta/gamma range response derived from the EEG during reward feedback. This measurement is used from the baseline assessment to inform the personalized beta-gamma range stimulation for the Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS group.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · peak frequency measured in hertz
Reinforcement Learning Task
peak frequency measured in hertzHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline26 (23.5 to 29)25.25 (20 to 30.875)32 (31 to 32)
3 Month25.5 (23.7 to 25.6)29.25 (28.625 to 29.5)27.5 (27 to 30)
SecondarySocial Functioning Scale (SFS)

The SFS a self-report questionnaire initially designed for people diagnosed with Schizophrenia; consists of 79 items designed to reflect the social skills and performances in different areas of life. Subscores are summed together for a total score. Total score of SFS ranges between 0-223 points. Higher scores mean better social functioning.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Social Functioning Scale (SFS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline161 (133 to 166)125.5 (120 to 129.25)142 (129 to 152)
Day 5159 (138.4 to 159.4)125.7 (123.95 to 128.05)144 (124.2 to 145.4)
SecondarySocial Functioning Scale (SFS)

The SFS a self-report questionnaire initially designed for people diagnosed with Schizophrenia; consists of 79 items designed to reflect the social skills and performances in different areas of life. Subscores are summed together for a total score. Total score of SFS ranges between 0-223 points. Higher scores mean better social functioning.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Social Functioning Scale (SFS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline161 (133 to 166)125.5 (120 to 129.25)142 (129 to 152)
1 Month160 (133 to 171)130.5 (122 to 139)134 (131 to 145)
SecondarySocial Functioning Scale (SFS)

The SFS a self-report questionnaire initially designed for people diagnosed with Schizophrenia; consists of 79 items designed to reflect the social skills and performances in different areas of life. Subscores are summed together for a total score. Total score of SFS ranges between 0-223 points. Higher scores mean better social functioning.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Social Functioning Scale (SFS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline161 (133 to 166)125.5 (120 to 129.25)142 (129 to 152)
3 Month156.6 (134 to 164)127.2 (116.75 to 135.75)150 (135 to 170)
SecondaryGlobal Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

The GAF measures how symptoms affect individuals day-to-day life; scored from 0 to 100

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline65 (60 to 65)46 (40.75 to 53.25)59 (51 to 60)
Day 561 (61 to 61)50.5 (48.75 to 52)60 (57 to 60)
SecondaryGlobal Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

The GAF measures how symptoms affect individuals day-to-day life; scored from 0 to 100

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline65 (60 to 65)46 (40.75 to 53.25)59 (51 to 60)
1 Month67 (65 to 70)51 (50.75 to 51.25)55 (55 to 60)
SecondaryGlobal Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

The GAF measures how symptoms affect individuals day-to-day life; scored from 0 to 100

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline65 (60 to 65)46 (40.75 to 53.25)59 (51 to 60)
3 Month65 (65 to 67)52.1 (50.55 to 53.65)61 (60 to 61)
SecondaryPositive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)

30 items included in the PANSS measuring positive, negative and general symptoms; 7 related to positive symptoms, 7 for negative symptoms, and 16 for general psychopathology Scale. Ranges are 7 to 49 for the Positive and Negative Scales, and 16 to 112 for the General Psychopathology Scale. Scores summed for Total Score on scale (30 to 210). Higher scores mean worse clinical symptoms. Total score reported.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline49 (49 to 55)71 (60.75 to 78.5)68 (61 to 69)
Day 552 (48 to 56)74.5 (69 to 77)56 (49 to 68)
SecondaryPositive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)

30 items included in the PANSS measuring positive, negative and general symptoms; 7 related to positive symptoms, 7 for negative symptoms, and 16 for general psychopathology Scale. Ranges are 7 to 49 for the Positive and Negative Scales, and 16 to 112 for the General Psychopathology Scale. Scores summed for Total Score on scale (30 to 210). Higher scores mean worse clinical symptoms. Total score reported.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline49 (49 to 55)71 (60.75 to 78.5)68 (61 to 69)
1 Month50 (42 to 54)75 (73.5 to 78)55 (52 to 55)
SecondaryPositive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)

30 items included in the PANSS measuring positive, negative and general symptoms; 7 related to positive symptoms, 7 for negative symptoms, and 16 for general psychopathology Scale. Ranges are 7 to 49 for the Positive and Negative Scales, and 16 to 112 for the General Psychopathology Scale. Scores summed for Total Score on scale (30 to 210). Higher scores mean worse clinical symptoms. Total score reported.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline49 (49 to 55)71 (60.75 to 78.5)68 (61 to 69)
3 Month54.8 (48.6 to 55)73.3 (72.25 to 77.45)52 (51 to 54.6)
SecondaryMontgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

The MADRS is designed to measure depression and severity of symptoms; 0 to 6 indicates no depression, 7 to 19 indicates mild depression, 20 to 34 indicates moderate depression, 35 and greater indicates severe depression. Total score reported (0 to 60).

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline8 (8 to 11)17.5 (11.5 to 23.75)10 (8 to 29)
Day 57 (6 to 13)14.5 (12 to 16)7 (7 to 10)
SecondaryMontgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

The MADRS is designed to measure depression and severity of symptoms; 0 to 6 indicates no depression, 7 to 19 indicates mild depression, 20 to 34 indicates moderate depression, 35 and greater indicates severe depression. Total score reported (0 to 60).

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline8 (8 to 11)17.5 (11.5 to 23.75)10 (8 to 29)
1 Month7 (6 to 13)16 (15.75 to 17.5)8 (5 to 8)
SecondaryMontgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

The MADRS is designed to measure depression and severity of symptoms; 0 to 6 indicates no depression, 7 to 19 indicates mild depression, 20 to 34 indicates moderate depression, 35 and greater indicates severe depression. Total score reported (0 to 60).

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline8 (8 to 11)17.5 (11.5 to 23.75)10 (8 to 29)
3 Month8 (5 to 8)19.2 (16.25 to 26)6 (6 to 9)
SecondaryBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)

The BIS-11 is designed to assess the personality/behavioral impulsiveness. The BIS-11 has 30 items and is scored appropriately. Scored to yield a total score, three second-order factors, and six first-order factors. Each question has a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (rarely/never) to 4 (almost always/always). Higher scores mean more impulsive behavior. Total score reported (30-120).

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline37 (36 to 41)35 (29 to 41.75)42 (40 to 42)
Day 538 (36 to 41)38.5 (35.5 to 43)41 (32 to 44)
SecondaryBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)

The BIS-11 is designed to assess the personality/behavioral impulsiveness. The BIS-11 has 30 items and is scored appropriately. Scored to yield a total score, three second-order factors, and six first-order factors. Each question has a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (rarely/never) to 4 (almost always/always). Higher scores mean more impulsive behavior. Total score reported (30-120).

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline37 (36 to 41)35 (29 to 41.75)42 (40 to 42)
1 Month35 (34 to 40)38 (27.5 to 47.25)40 (36 to 42)
SecondaryBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)

The BIS-11 is designed to assess the personality/behavioral impulsiveness. The BIS-11 has 30 items and is scored appropriately. Scored to yield a total score, three second-order factors, and six first-order factors. Each question has a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (rarely/never) to 4 (almost always/always). Higher scores mean more impulsive behavior. Total score reported (30-120).

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a scale
Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)
score on a scaleHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline37 (36 to 41)35 (29 to 41.75)42 (40 to 42)
3 Month35.2 (31 to 35.6)38 (37 to 38.15)36 (35.2 to 36)
SecondaryBrief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)

The BACS is designed to assess several domains of cognition; Verbal Memory; Processing Speed; Working Memory; Verbal Fluency; Motor Function; Executive Functioning. Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning. Total score reported after being transformed into z score based on normative scoring provide by test makers.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 5 Day follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a test
Brief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)
score on a testHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline0.44 (-0.79 to 0.71)-0.66 (-1.065 to 0.0025)0.25 (-0.35 to 0.76)
Day 50.43 (-0.26 to 0.71)-0.74 (-0.97 to -0.3525)0.3 (0.21 to 0.77)
SecondaryBrief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)

The BACS is designed to assess several domains of cognition; Verbal Memory; Processing Speed; Working Memory; Verbal Fluency; Motor Function; Executive Functioning. Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning. Total score reported after being transformed into z score based on normative scoring provide by test makers.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 1-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a test
Brief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)
score on a testHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline0.44 (-0.79 to 0.71)-0.66 (-1.065 to 0.0025)0.25 (-0.35 to 0.76)
1 Month0.01 (-0.07 to 0.51)-1.26 (-1.3975 to -0.9485)0.74 (-0.09 to 0.9)
SecondaryBrief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)

The BACS is designed to assess several domains of cognition; Verbal Memory; Processing Speed; Working Memory; Verbal Fluency; Motor Function; Executive Functioning. Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning. Total score reported after being transformed into z score based on normative scoring provide by test makers.

Time frame:
Change from baseline to 3-month follow-up
Reported as:
Median · score on a test
Brief Assessment of Cognition (BACS)
score on a testHD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Baseline0.44 (-0.79 to 0.71)-0.66 (-1.065 to 0.0025)0.25 (-0.35 to 0.76)
3 Month0.18 (-0.146 to 0.44)-0.602 (-0.7055 to -0.456)0.97 (0.384 to 1.58)

Adverse events

Collected over Adverse events were collected up to 3 months after tES treatment (10 sessions over 1 week) was completed.. Non-serious events are listed at a 5% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Active HD-tDCS0/5 (0%)0/5 (0%)1/5 (20%)
Active Control (Alpha, 10 Hz)0/4 (0%)0/4 (0%)0/4 (0%)
Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS0/5 (0%)0/5 (0%)0/5 (0%)
Most frequent other events
Most frequent other events
EventActive HD-tDCSActive Control (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma tACS
Eye Fatigue/PainEye disorders1/50/40/5

Baseline characteristics

Age, Categorical
Age, Categorical(Participants)HD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma HD-tACSTotal
<=18 years0000
Between 18 and 65 years54514
>=65 years0000
Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(years)HD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma HD-tACSTotal
Mean35.2 ± 10.40238.25 ± 12.68530.2 ± 11.47634.29 ± 11.07
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)HD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma HD-tACSTotal
Female3227
Male2237
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(Participants)HD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma HD-tACSTotal
Hispanic or Latino0022
Not Hispanic or Latino54312
Unknown or Not Reported0000
Region of Enrollment
Region of Enrollment(participants)HD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma HD-tACSTotal
United States54514
Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)
Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)(score on a scale)HD-tDCSHD-tACS (Alpha, 10 Hz)Personalized Beta-Gamma HD-tACSTotal
Median5 (4 to 5)7 (3.75 to 9.5)3 (3 to 5)5 (3 to 7.25)
07

Study locations

1 site
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
08

References and documents

Study documents

  • Protocol and statistical analysis plan · Jun 23, 2025

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

09

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT05445466
Lead sponsor
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Responsible party
Paulo Lizano (Assistant Professor, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) — Principal investigator
First posted
Jul 6, 2022
Start date
Dec 16, 2022
Primary completion
Jun 1, 2025
Completion
Jun 1, 2025
Results posted
Nov 6, 2025
Last update
Nov 6, 2025

Study contacts

Paulo Lizano, MD,PhD
principal investigator · Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
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