Improving brain stimulation treatments for depression by personalizing targeting.

CRCNS US-France Research Proposal: Probing the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex and Central Executive Network for Improving Neuromodulation in Depression

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11089462

This study is exploring a new way to help people with depression who haven't found relief from medications by using a special treatment called rTMS that targets specific areas of the brain, aiming to make it work better for each individual.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11089462 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance treatments for depression that do not respond to medication by using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) tailored to individual brain networks. The study focuses on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a key area involved in cognitive control and decision-making, which is often impaired in individuals with depression. By utilizing a combination of non-invasive and invasive techniques, the researchers will investigate how to optimize rTMS delivery to improve its effectiveness. This personalized approach could lead to better outcomes for patients suffering from medication-resistant depression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with medication-resistant depression seeking alternative treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently responding well to medication or those with mild depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with depression who have not benefited from traditional medications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with personalized brain stimulation approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

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 Brain DiseasesBrain Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.