Understanding brain activity to improve mental health treatments
Official title: Novel multimodal neural, physiological, and behavioral sensing and machine learning for mental states
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11017073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity connects to our feelings and thoughts, with the goal of creating better, personalized treatments for mental health issues, and it involves patients sharing their experiences and data through wearables during social situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $909,771 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH135407-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, or other emotional regulation issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those unable to participate in behavioral assessments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain activity relates to mental states, aiming to uncover the neural mechanisms behind emotional functioning. It employs advanced techniques like intracranial EEG to monitor brain activity over multiple days while also integrating physiological and behavioral data. By addressing the challenges of simultaneous monitoring and using machine learning, the study seeks to develop personalized therapies for various mental disorders. Patients may be involved in providing data through wearables and self-reports during social interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of multiple monitoring modalities is challenging, similar approaches in neuroscience have shown promise in enhancing our understanding of mental health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shanechi, Maryam — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Shanechi, Maryam
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.