Understanding how brain stimulation affects depression treatment
Official title: Leveraging Ultra-High Field MRI to Elucidate Glutamatergic Mechanisms of rTMS in Depression
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10995521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) affects the brain's chemistry and connections in people with major depression, with the goal of making this treatment work better for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2024 |
| Project end | July 15, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30MH136690-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing major depressive disorder and have not responded adequately to traditional pharmacologic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing major depressive disorder or those who have contraindications for rTMS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on brain chemistry and connectivity in individuals with major depressive disorder. Using advanced ultra-high field MRI techniques, the study aims to clarify how rTMS influences glutamate signaling and the functional connectivity of brain networks involved in emotional processing. By analyzing these changes, researchers hope to improve the effectiveness of rTMS as a treatment for depression. Participants will undergo comprehensive psychological assessments to correlate brain changes with clinical outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for individuals suffering from major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown some success with rTMS in treating depression, but this research aims to provide novel insights using advanced imaging techniques.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pecsok, Margaret Kasey — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Pecsok, Margaret Kasey
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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.