Mapping brain function to understand treatment-resistant depression

Precision Functional Mapping in Treatment-Resistant Depression

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11109849

This study is looking at treatment-resistant depression, which is a tough type of depression that doesn't get better with usual treatments, and it's trying to find clues in the brain that could help us understand it better and improve how we diagnose and treat it.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11109849 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a severe form of major depressive disorder that does not respond to standard treatments. The study aims to identify specific brain biomarkers using advanced functional neuroimaging techniques, which could help in understanding the underlying mechanisms of TRD. By applying novel methods for precise brain mapping, the research seeks to improve the accuracy of diagnosing and treating this challenging condition. The principal investigator will also focus on developing better behavioral assessments to complement the imaging findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to conventional therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with mild depression or those who have not yet undergone standard treatment options may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced neuroimaging techniques to identify biomarkers in other psychiatric conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.