Investigating brain connectivity in major depressive disorder using advanced stimulation techniques
Official title: Probing network-specific cortical connectivity by combining multifocal transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroencephalography
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11031802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain networks work in people with major depressive disorder and aims to improve treatment by using a special device that stimulates the brain while measuring its activity, helping those who haven't found relief with regular therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $182,528 |
| NIH project number | 1K01MH138823-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depression or those who have not been diagnosed with major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how specific brain networks are affected in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). It combines a novel multichannel transcranial magnetic stimulation (mTMS) system with electroencephalography (EEG) to target and measure brain activity across multiple areas simultaneously. By identifying individual brain network targets through MRI data, the study aims to enhance the effectiveness of TMS treatments for patients who do not respond to traditional therapies. This approach seeks to improve our understanding of brain connectivity and its relationship to depression symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for patients with drug-resistant major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using TMS for depression, but this specific approach combining mTMS and EEG is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daneshzand, Mohammad — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Daneshzand, Mohammad
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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.