Personalized theta-burst brain stimulation for depression
Personalized Closed-loop Theta Burst Stimulation for Treatment of Depression
Offering personalized, closed-loop theta-burst brain stimulation guided by MRI and EEG to help adults with depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192278 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would receive short bursts of magnetic stimulation to specific brain areas while my brain activity is monitored with EEG. The team uses my MRI to aim the stimulation precisely and adjusts timing in real time based on my EEG signals. This closed-loop approach is designed to reduce the variability seen with standard TMS and deliver brief treatment sessions. All treatments and follow-up visits would take place at Northwestern with trained staff.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with major depressive disorder, especially those seeking non-drug options or who have not fully responded to medications, would be the intended participants.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without a depressive disorder, or individuals with seizure disorders or certain implanted metal devices in the head may not be eligible or likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce faster and more reliable reductions in depressive symptoms with shorter treatment sessions than conventional TMS.
How similar studies have performed: Theta-burst TMS is FDA-approved and has shown effectiveness comparable to longer TMS sessions, but personalized closed-loop TBS is a newer approach with limited clinical data so far.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alekseichuk, Ivan — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Alekseichuk, Ivan
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 below.