rTMS for Treatment of Depressed Phase of Bipolar Disorder Type II

This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial of rTMS for outpatients in the depressive phase of BD-II. Participants will be evaluated at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Forty eligible subjects will be randomized to either active treatment (n=20) or sham (no stimulation, n=20). Each subject will receive treatment 5 days per week for a total of 6 weeks. At the end of the 6 weeks, those who remain depressed will have the option of receiving 6 additional weeks of open rTMS treatment. We require these participants to meet the same eligibility criteria in the open phase (i.e. MADRS ≥15, YMRS \<12) as in the initial double blind phase. At the completion of treatment, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled with a study physician to ensure that the participant is properly transitioning to clinical care and is not having a significant change in clinical status. Those who do not already have a treating physician will be referred to a new provider.