Identifying brain targets for treating mood disorders in bipolar patients
Official title: Deriving TMS Targets for Mood Valence and Mood Stabilization in Bipolar Disorder
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10896349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be improved for people with bipolar disorder by finding the best spots in the brain to help with mood swings, and it involves some brain scans and tests to make sure the chosen spots are effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,500 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH129829-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896349 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bipolar disorder who are not experiencing significant mood fluctuations or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be optimized to treat bipolar disorder by identifying specific brain targets associated with mood changes. The study uses lesion network mapping to analyze brain lesions that contribute to symptoms of mania and depression, aiming to derive and validate effective TMS targets. By examining the brain's connectivity, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients experiencing mood fluctuations. Participants will undergo functional neuroimaging and behavioral testing to validate the identified targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for individuals with bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using lesion network mapping have shown promise in optimizing treatment targets for mood disorders, indicating a potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Joseph Jeffrey — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Joseph Jeffrey
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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.