Using advanced technology to improve deep brain stimulation for depression treatment
Official title: Multimodal Biometrics to Optimize and Scale Decision Support for Depression DBS
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11050434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make deep brain stimulation (DBS) work better for people with severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments by using a new tool to personalize the therapy based on how each person responds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,113,446 |
| NIH project number | 1UH3NS141080-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to conventional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depression or those who have not yet tried standard antidepressant treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) by developing a new biomarker that helps tailor treatment. The approach combines various brain imaging techniques to monitor and adjust DBS therapy based on individual patient responses. By integrating this biomarker into clinical decision-making, the goal is to optimize the effectiveness of DBS and improve long-term outcomes for patients suffering from severe depression. This innovative method aims to make DBS a more reliable and personalized treatment option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with deep brain stimulation for depression, but this specific approach integrating biomarkers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mayberg, Helen S — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Mayberg, Helen S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Suubi-Mhealth: a mobile app to help Ugandan youth with HIV manage depression and ART adherence
A mobile app designed for 14–17 year olds in Uganda aims to support mental health and keep HIV treatment on track.
-
Group-based postpartum depression prevention: in-person vs. virtual delivery
A large study is testing whether the ROSE group program delivered virtually to pregnant people is just as helpful as the in-person version in preventing postpartum depression.
-
DESCANSO: A friendly CBT plan to ease depression, sleep problems, and fatigue in Latino cancer patients
A Spanish-speaking CBT program called DESCANSO is being tested to help Latino cancer patients feel less tired, sleep better, and happier.
-
Personalized iTBS for Depression: Faster, Targeted Brain Stimulation
A personalized, time-efficient brain stimulation approach may help people with treatment-resistant depression achieve better relief using tailored iTBS settings.
-
Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
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.