Exploring how brain stimulation affects treatment-resistant depression
Official title: Investigating the neural mechanisms of repetitive brain stimulation with invasive and noninvasive electrophysiology in humans
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11083620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a treatment called rTMS helps people with depression who haven't found relief from medications, so we can better understand why it works for some and not others, and improve treatment options for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,746 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132074-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression who have not found relief from traditional medication therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depression or those who have responded well to standard antidepressant treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a treatment for individuals with depression who do not respond to medications. By combining both invasive and non-invasive techniques, the study aims to gain a deeper understanding of how rTMS works in the brain. This could help identify why some patients benefit from rTMS while others do not, ultimately leading to improved treatment strategies. Patients participating in this research may undergo brain activity monitoring to assess the effects of the stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of rTMS for treating depression, potentially benefiting many patients who currently do not respond to existing treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that rTMS can be effective for treatment-resistant depression, but this study aims to explore new methodologies to further improve patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keller, Corey J — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Keller, Corey J
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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.