Noninvasive treatment for severe depression using ultrasound technology
Official title: Noninvasive modulation of deep brain circuits for treatment-resistant depression
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11094717 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new, non-surgical ultrasound device that gently stimulates certain areas of the brain to help people with treatment-resistant depression feel better, and it’s designed for those who haven’t found relief with other treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $721,730 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH134943-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094717 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression who have not found relief from conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depression or those who have responded well to existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating treatment-resistant depression by using a noninvasive ultrasound device that targets deep brain circuits. The device is MRI-compatible and aims to stimulate specific brain areas associated with mood regulation without the need for surgical implants. The study will first assess how well the device engages these brain targets and its tolerability, followed by a randomized trial to evaluate its effects on mood and brain connectivity. This innovative method could provide new hope for individuals who have not responded to traditional depression treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from severe depression that has not improved with standard therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using noninvasive ultrasound for brain modulation is relatively novel, similar techniques have shown promise in other neurological conditions, indicating potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mickey, Brian James — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Mickey, Brian James
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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.