Exploring how brain stimulation affects treatment-resistant depression

Investigating the neural mechanisms of repetitive brain stimulation with invasive and noninvasive electrophysiology in humans

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11083620

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083620 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression who have not found relief from traditional medication therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with mild depression or those who have responded well to standard antidepressant treatments may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, 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.
Conditions burden of disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.