Elsevier website: "Comparison of the effects of different non-invasive brain stimulation interventions on the treatment of bipolar depression: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials"
- Aug 1, 2025
- 1 min read
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Report summary ~
Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a promising treatment for bipolar depression. We systematically searched a randomized controlled trial on NIBS in the treatment of bipolar depression (INPLASY No.: 202340019). 18 articles (N = 617) met the criteria for the network meta-analysis. The effect size is expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). F3 anode transcranial DC stimulation plus F4 cathode transcranial DC stimulation (a-tDCS-F3 + c-tDCS-F4; SMD = −1.18, 95%CI = −1.66 to −0.69, N = 77), F3 HD tDCS (HD-tDCS-F3; −1.17, −2.00 to −0.35, 25), high-frequency deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-dTMS; −0.81, −1.62 to −0.001, 25), and F3 high-frequency repeat TMS plus F4 low-frequency repeat TMS (HF-rTMS-F3 + LF-rTMS-F4; −0.77, −1.43 To −0.11, 38) Compared with the sham-operated control group, the symptoms of depression were significantly improved. Only a-tDCS-F3 + c-tDCS-F4 (OR = 4.53, 95%CI = 1.51–13.65) and HF-rTMS-F3 + LF-rTMS-F4 (OR = 4.69, 95%CI = 1.02–21.56) showed higher response rates. All active NIBS interventions showed no significant differences in patient exit trial rates or side effects rates compared with sham controls.