Bipolar Disorder Clinical Studies in Boston Area

We are studying the effectiveness of Bezafibrate, a drug that lowers fat, in treating bipolar depression. Bipolar disorder is among the top causes of disability worldwide and negative health outcomes remain highly prevalent. Only 20% to 30% of bipolar patients achieve remission from a mood episode and even then, remain stable for two years. New drug development for bipolar disorder, and especially bipolar depression, has generally stalled in the past decade, with few new methods of treatment and no treatments developed specifically for bipolar disorder. Investigating whether Bezafibrate can be an effective drug treatment for bipolar depression can help improve patient outcomes.

Please note that study participants must reside in Massachusetts.

Recruitment is ongoing. If interested, contact our research coordinator:
Naia Wolfenzon, nwolfenzon@mgh.harvard.edu, 617-726-1366

We are studying how we can use pictures of the eye to better understand brain function and heart health in adults with and without bipolar disorder. Cognitive deficits are common in individuals with bipolar disorder, but we don’t know what is causing them. The vessels in the eyes are very similar to those in the brain and by looking at pictures of the retina, the structure in the back of the eyeball that tells the brain what we are seeing, we can get an idea about what the vessels in the brain look like. This non-invasive procedure may give us insight into brain function in bipolar disorder and and help us make better treatments and methods of prevention.

Please note that study participants must reside in Massachusetts.

Recruitment is paused until January 2026. If interested, contact our research coordinator:
Bridget Hall, bhall18@mgb.org, 617-643-0049

Executive dysfunction — a term used to describe difficulties reaching goals, including (but not limited to) poor time management and issues with organization and problem-solving — is a very common and disabling symptom of bipolar disorders. However, even though it is common, scientists are still unclear as to what part(s) of the brain are involved in executive dysfunction. It is possible that inflammation in the brain contributes. The goal of this study is to identify whether inflammation in the brain is related to executive dysfunction in bipolar disorder. We will use brain imaging techniques (PET and fMRI) to do this.

Please note that study participants must reside in Massachusetts. 

Recruitment is paused until January 2026. If interested, contact our research coordinator:
Naia Wolfenzon, nwolfenzon@mgh.harvard.edu, 617-726-1366

We are conducting a research study at the Massachusetts General Hospital to examine the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive, painless, and safe intervention, to improve emotion regulation in bipolar disorder.

The study consists of a 2.5 hour baseline visit, 4 days of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) sessions (6 sessions/day), and a 2.5 hour follow up visit. The baseline and follow up visits will include questionnaires, a brain scan and computer tasks. If you are interested in participating, please contact Brianna Lenza at 617-643-8199 or email us at er-studies@mgh.harvard.edu.

We are doing this research study to find out if using xenon could be helpful for people with Major Depression and Bipolar Depression who have not responded to the usual medications or combination of medications and who are currently depressed. Xenon is a drug that calms and relaxes the body. Xenon is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that xenon can only be used in research studies. Xenon is a colorless, odorless gas used as a general anesthetic in Europe. Xenon has been used safely in adults and in children. This research study will compare xenon to placebo. The placebo being used is called nitrogen, which is similarly colorless and odorless. Air is composed largely of nitrogen. Placebos are used in research studies to see if the results are due to the study drug or due to other reasons. You will have two treatment sessions, in one of them we will administer xenon and in one of them we will administer placebo. You will not know which one you are administered at the visit.

Please note that study participants must reside in Massachusetts.

Recruitment is ongoing. If interested, contact our research coordinator:
Yousif Alsaadi, yalsaadi@mgb.org, 617-726-0997

FITT-BD is an outpatient clinic at the Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital. It’s designed to help people with bipolar disorder gain the skills and understanding they need to independently manage their condition. At the FITT-BD clinic, we strive to treat every patient holistically, considering such things as exercise and sleep, as well as actively engaging the support of family and friends. All of our providers have expertise in treating people with bipolar disorder and are involved in research to identify more effective treatments for this condition.

Please note that clinic participants must reside in Massachusetts.

If interested, please call us at 617-643-9185, or email us at fitt-bd@mgh.harvard.edu