Comparing brain stimulation techniques for reducing suicidal thoughts in people with severe depression
Official title: Cortical Inhibition as a Biomarker of Response in a Comparison of Bilateral versus Unilateral Accelerated Theta Burst Stimulation for Suicidal Ideation in Treatment-Resistant Depression -COMBAT-SI
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11033877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at two types of brain stimulation to see which one helps reduce suicidal thoughts in people who have depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. If you join, you'll receive one of the stimulation methods over a short period, and researchers will check how it affects your brain and your feelings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,576 |
| NIH project number | 1K23MH138746-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing treatment-resistant depression and have suicidal ideation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have treatment-resistant depression or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of two different brain stimulation techniques, bilateral and unilateral accelerated theta burst stimulation, in reducing suicidal ideation in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. The study aims to understand how these techniques affect brain activity and cortical inhibition, which may be linked to suicidal thoughts. Participants will receive either form of stimulation over a condensed treatment period, allowing researchers to assess which method is more effective in alleviating suicidal thoughts. The approach combines advanced neuroimaging and brain stimulation technologies to provide insights into treatment responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts due to severe depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar brain stimulation techniques, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weissman, Cory R — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Weissman, Cory R
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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.