Investigating how ketamine affects depression-related symptoms using advanced MRI technology

Neural Circuit-Specific Mechanisms of Ketamine's Effect on Anhedonia and Anxiety in Depression Using Ultra-High Field 7-Tesla MRI

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11078253

This study is looking at how ketamine helps people with depression feel better, especially when it comes to feeling joy and managing anxiety, by using advanced brain scans to see how certain parts of the brain work in adults with depression.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11078253 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the specific neural mechanisms by which ketamine alleviates symptoms of depression, particularly anhedonia and anxiety. Using ultra-high field 7-Tesla MRI, the study will examine the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) in adults with depression to understand how different circuits within this area contribute to various symptoms. By comparing findings from both human participants and non-human primates, the research seeks to identify targeted therapeutic approaches that could improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from depression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of depression, particularly anhedonia and anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have depression or those under 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for depression by identifying specific neural circuits that can be targeted with therapies like ketamine.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of ketamine on depression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.