Synaptic mechanisms of a TMS protocol in depression
Official title: Synaptic Mechanisms of Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation in Depression
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11348915 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant is studying how a brain-stimulation approach called cTBS works in people with depression and how drugs might boost its effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $680,594 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH139697-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348915 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with treatment-resistant depression who are eligible for TMS and able to participate in pharmacologic modulation and crossover procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without depression or who cannot safely participate in TMS or pharmacologic modulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how continuous theta burst stimulation, a type of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, changes brain signaling in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers will test two brain mechanisms— NMDA receptor–dependent synaptic changes and GABAergic inhibition—by giving cTBS with and without pharmacologic partners in a crossover design. The study will involve 70 adults with depression, comparing sham stimulation, placebo, and active drug conditions while measuring cortical excitability. The goal is to uncover the synaptic details that could guide more effective and tolerable TMS treatments in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding the mechanism could lead to more effective TMS protocols and better treatment options for people with treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that tailoring TMS protocols based on mechanism can improve clinical outcomes, though this specific mechanism-focused trial is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Joshua C — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Brown, Joshua C
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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.