Brain scans and AI to guide depression medication choices
Establishing Multimodal Brain Biomarkers Using Data-driven Analytics for Treatment Selection in Depression
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11300934
This project uses brain scans (fMRI and EEG) plus machine learning to find patterns that could help people with major depression get the antidepressant most likely to work for them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11300934 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The research team will analyze brain activity recorded by fMRI and EEG taken before treatment and use machine-learning methods to find brain-based patterns linked to good medication response. They will combine large datasets from randomized antidepressant trials to build and test multimodal biomarkers that predict who benefits from which drug. The goal is to reduce the trial-and-error process of trying multiple antidepressants and speed up finding an effective treatment. Much of the work involves analyzing existing patient data, though new imaging may be collected in some cases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with major depressive disorder who are willing to share clinical data and undergo pre-treatment brain imaging (fMRI and EEG) would be the best match for this work.
Not a fit: People who cannot have MRI (for example, due to metal implants), who are not pursuing medication, or who have conditions other than major depression are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could shorten the time it takes to find an effective antidepressant and increase remission rates for people with major depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous biomarker studies in depression have had mixed results, so combining fMRI and EEG with advanced machine learning is promising but still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, YU — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, YU
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.