Modeling how brain stimulation helps depression in Veterans
Official title: Modeling the Treatment Response of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression
Funded at Providence VA Medical Center · NIH-11249615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Veterans-focused project explores how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) works for treating major depressive disorder and why responses vary, with the aim of making it more effective and accessible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002603-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11249615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with major depressive disorder who are considering or currently receiving TMS treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving TMS or whose depression is not related to the brain networks targeted by TMS may see no benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why some Veterans respond differently to TMS treatment for major depressive disorder and seeks ways to optimize how TMS is delivered. It will use clinical data from Veterans to identify patterns that predict better responses and explore cost-effective approaches to improve outcomes. The effort emphasizes practical, bedside applications and could lead to more personalized TMS care in real-world clinics. The study is centered at Providence VA Medical Center, with patient data guiding improvements to TMS protocols and integration with measurement-based care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could make TMS more effective and accessible for Veterans with depression, leading to better mood and functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior studies suggest variability in TMS response; this project aims to clarify and optimize those responses.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence VA Medical Center
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berlow, Yosef Alfred — Providence VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Berlow, Yosef Alfred
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how rTMS may reduce brain inflammation in depression and related brain conditions
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation (rTMS) changes brain inflammation in people with depression and certain brain conditions.
-
Using magnetic stimulation to improve brain barrier function in depression treatment
This study is looking at how a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) might help improve the protective barrier in the brain for people with treatment-resistant depression, to see if fixing this barrier can lead to feeling better.
-
Combining brain stimulation and therapy to help veterans with chronic pain and depression
This study is exploring a new way to help veterans who are dealing with both chronic pain and depression by using a combination of brain stimulation and therapy to improve their pain and mood.
-
Understanding how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation helps treat depression in Veterans
This study is looking at how well Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help Veterans with Major Depressive Disorder who haven't found relief from regular medications, aiming to find the best ways to make this treatment work better for everyone.
-
Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Suubi-Mhealth: a mobile app to help Ugandan youth with HIV manage depression and ART adherence
A mobile app designed for 14–17 year olds in Uganda aims to support mental health and keep HIV treatment on track.
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.