Improving brain stimulation techniques for mental health treatment
Official title: Validation of Closed-Loop Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in a Non-Human Primate Model
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11049279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use brain stimulation that adjusts to how your brain is working in real-time, with the hope of making treatments more effective for people with mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $802,948 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136053-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders who may benefit from advanced brain stimulation therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not respond to TMS or those who are not eligible for brain stimulation therapies may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that adapts to individual brain activity in real-time. By using electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, the study aims to optimize the timing and effectiveness of TMS applied to the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for mental health. The research will be conducted in non-human primates to gather precise data on brain responses, which will help inform future applications in humans. The goal is to enhance TMS outcomes for patients with psychiatric disorders by identifying the best stimulation parameters and understanding how TMS affects brain plasticity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for mental health disorders through personalized brain stimulation techniques.
How similar studies have gone: While closed-loop TMS is a novel approach, preliminary studies in related fields have shown promise in enhancing the effectiveness of brain stimulation techniques.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Opitz, Alexander — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Opitz, Alexander
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Noninvasive brain stimulation to reduce hyperexcitability in a Fragile X rat model
A small animal study tests whether low-frequency rTMS can calm overactive brain activity and improve thinking-style tasks in a rat model of Fragile X and autism.
-
Accurate, low-cost trackerless neuronavigation for TMS
A low-cost, trackerless computer-vision system to guide transcranial magnetic stimulation by precisely locating brain targets on each patient.
-
Sequential treatment additions to help long-term opioid therapy patients feel better
A multi-step approach tests adding low-dose buprenorphine, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brain stimulation to improve pain and quality of life for people on long-term opioid therapy without forcing a taper.
-
High-frequency brain stimulation for trigeminal neuropathic pain
A large, multi-site trial tests a non-invasive brain stimulation method to relieve chronic facial nerve pain for adults who have not found relief from other treatments.
-
Modulating how the brain processes thinking about others in autism with noninvasive brain stimulation
This project tests whether a noninvasive brain treatment (rTMS) can adjust brain activity linked to understanding others’ thoughts and feelings in adults with autism.
-
Closed-loop prefrontal TMS guided by real-time EEG in primates
A study tests a brain-guided TMS approach that uses real-time EEG to tailor stimulation to the prefrontal cortex, starting in non-human primates with the goal of improving future treatments for psychiatric disorders.
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.