NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionProvidence VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2029
Funding year2026
NIH project number5IK2CX002603-03
Project IDNIH-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.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.