Lithium Effects on the Brain's Functional and Structural Connectome in the Treatment of Bipolar D… (NCT03336918) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
Lithium Effects on the Brain's Functional and Structural Connectome in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
United States120 participantsStarted 2017-12-07
Plain-language summary
Lithium is highly effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder. This study aims to investigate, for the first time, the impact of lithium monotherapy on the structural and functional connectivity of the brain using MRI imaging.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria for BD subjects:
* ages 18-60 years (inclusive) and able to give voluntary informed consent;
* Satisfy criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-V) for BD I or II, current Depressive Episode;
* 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score \>15 and \<25;
* Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) \< 8;
* no psychotropics in the last 2 weeks (if previously on fluoxetine then medication free for 5 weeks) OR on stable psychotropic medications for 12 weeks
* no lithium treatment for past 6 months;
* satisfy criteria to undergo an MRI scan based on MRI screening questionnaire;
* able to be managed as outpatients during the study as ascertained by Clinical Global Severity Scale \< 5 (i.e., moderately ill) and no significant suicidal or homicidal ideation or gross disability.
Exclusion criteria for BD subjects are:
* meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or an anxiety disorder as
* a primary diagnosis;
* requiring inpatient treatment;
* meeting DSM-V criteria for substance dependence within the past 3 months, except caffeine or nicotine;
* positive urinary toxicology screening at screening visit;
* use of alcohol in the past 1 week;
* serious medical or neurological illness;
* current pregnancy or breast feeding;
* metallic implants or other contraindications to MRI.
Inclusion criteria for healthy subjects:
* ages 18-60 years and ability to give voluntary informed consent;
* no history of psychiatric illnes…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.