Testing a new brain stimulation technique for teens with suicidal thoughts and depression
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Sequential Bilateral Accelerated Theta Burst Stimulation in Adolescents with Suicidal Ideation Associated with Major Depressive Disorder
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10685343 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help teenagers who are feeling very depressed and having thoughts of suicide by using a special brain stimulation technique, and it aims to see if this treatment can improve their mood and reduce those thoughts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $598,024 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH124655-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10685343 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 18 who are experiencing significant suicidal ideation related to major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have suicidal thoughts or who are not diagnosed with major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment approach using accelerated theta burst stimulation (TBS) to help adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts associated with major depressive disorder. The study aims to understand how this brain stimulation technique can modulate brain function and potentially reduce suicidal ideation. Participants will receive TBS treatment delivered to the prefrontal cortex, which is thought to improve brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms of depression. The research will also explore the use of biomarkers to assess treatment effectiveness and suicide risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a rapid and effective treatment option for adolescents struggling with suicidal thoughts and major depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques like TMS for treating depression, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Croarkin, Paul E — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Croarkin, Paul E
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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.