Improving brain stimulation techniques for treating depression
Official title: Optimized methods for measuring brain excitability in depression
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11102105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve treatment for depression by finding better ways to measure how the brain responds to a special therapy called rTMS, so that each person's treatment can be customized for the best results.
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 | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $784,096 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH139650-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11102105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with depression who may benefit from rTMS treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of depression or those who have contraindications for rTMS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depression by developing reliable methods to measure brain excitability. It aims to identify specific markers of prefrontal cortex activity that can guide personalized treatment approaches. By utilizing a new system called TARGET, the study will dynamically adjust stimulation parameters to optimize treatment outcomes based on individual brain responses. This could lead to more effective and tailored therapies for patients suffering from depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for depression, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using TMS for depression, but this approach aims to refine and enhance existing methods, making it a novel advancement in the field.
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.