Using electrical stimulation to target deep brain regions non-invasively

Temporal interference methods for non-invasive deep brain stimulation

['FUNDING_R21'] · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11119339

This study is looking at a new way to safely stimulate deep parts of the brain using a technique called temporal interference, which could help people with addiction and OCD, and it will also use brain scans to see how this affects thinking and behavior.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11119339 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel method called temporal interference (TI) to stimulate deep brain regions non-invasively, which could help treat conditions like addiction and OCD. By applying two high-frequency electrical fields that create a pattern of interference, the researchers aim to activate neurons in deeper brain areas without the risks associated with surgery. The study will utilize TI combined with fMRI to explore how these brain regions influence cognition and behavior, potentially leading to new treatment options for various disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals struggling with addiction, OCD, or other conditions that involve deep brain regions.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve deep brain regions or those who are not responsive to electrical stimulation therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from addiction and other neurological disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using temporal interference is relatively novel, similar non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have shown promise in other research settings.

Where this research is happening

BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: addictive disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.