Understanding how brain network disruption causes depression in multiple sclerosis
Official title: Depression as a disease of network disruption: learning from multiple sclerosis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10832068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the brain of people with multiple sclerosis might be linked to feelings of depression, hoping to help those with MS better understand and manage their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,940 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH133118-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10832068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who also experience symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without multiple sclerosis or those who do not experience depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between brain network disruptions and depression in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). By analyzing the location and burden of white matter lesions in the brains of MS patients, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to depression in this population. The approach includes retrospective analysis of data from over 1,500 MS patients, utilizing advanced techniques like lesion network mapping to explore how these brain changes correlate with depressive symptoms. The findings could provide insights into both MS-related depression and broader mechanisms of depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for depression in patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding depression through brain network mapping in other conditions, but this specific approach in MS is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baller, Erica Berlin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Baller, Erica Berlin
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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.