Using brain stimulation to target a specific area for treating depression
Official title: Engaging the subgenual cingulate with brain stimulation for depression
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11046658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment called rTMS can help people with depression by targeting a specific part of the brain, and it will also see if understanding how different areas of the brain connect can help predict how well the treatment works for each person.
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 | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,161,860 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH135428-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with depression who have not responded adequately to traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with treatment-resistant depression who have already undergone extensive rTMS therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) to treat depression. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to confirm that rTMS can effectively engage the sgACC, which is crucial for improving depressive symptoms. The research will also explore how changes in brain connectivity can predict treatment outcomes, providing insights into the relationship between brain activity and clinical improvement. Patients may receive targeted brain stimulation based on their individual brain connectivity patterns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using rTMS for depression, but this specific approach targeting the sgACC is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oathes, Desmond — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Oathes, Desmond
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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.