Using brain activity to predict how well ketamine helps people with severe depression
Official title: Gamma oscillations as a prognostic marker for ketamine therapy in treatment resistant depression
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11002307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain waves can help predict if ketamine therapy will work for people with treatment-resistant depression, so we can better tailor the treatment to those who need it most.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $204,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH133198-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002307 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 treatment-resistant depression and are seeking ketamine therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have treatment-resistant depression or are not seeking ketamine therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gamma oscillations in the brain can serve as a biological marker to predict the effectiveness of ketamine therapy for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). By measuring brain activity through electroencephalography (EEG) before and during ketamine treatment, the study aims to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from this rapid-acting antidepressant. Participants will receive ketamine infusions twice a week for four weeks, and their brain responses will be closely monitored to assess changes in gamma band power. This approach could lead to more personalized treatment plans for those struggling with severe depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify patients who are most likely to respond positively to ketamine therapy, improving treatment outcomes for those with treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using neurophysiological measures to predict treatment responses in depression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathew, Sanjay J — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Mathew, Sanjay J
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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.