Controlling brain stimulation to improve treatment for depression

Model-based neural control of brain stimulation for neuropsychiatric disorders

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11078354

This study is exploring a new way to help people with treatment-resistant depression by using brain stimulation that adjusts to their mood and brain activity, and it's specifically for epilepsy patients who have implanted electrodes to gather information on how they feel and how their brains work.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11078354 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a new method of brain stimulation aimed at treating neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression. It focuses on developing a real-time model-based control system that adjusts stimulation based on individual mood states and neural activity. By using implanted electrodes in epilepsy patients, the study will gather data on mood and brain signals to enhance the effectiveness of stimulation. This approach aims to provide a more personalized treatment option for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with treatment-resistant depression who also have epilepsy and can have implanted electrodes for monitoring brain activity.

Not a fit: Patients with mild depression or those who do not have epilepsy may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from severe depression who have not benefited from existing therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using brain stimulation for depression, but this approach of real-time model-based control is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.