Using magnetic stimulation to treat depression and pain together
Official title: Multi-target repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and comorbid pain
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10817712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with both depression and chronic pain by using a special treatment called rTMS, which targets different parts of the brain to improve mood and reduce pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $182,887 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH123887-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who also experience chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have comorbid Major Depressive Disorder and chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) to treat patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and fibromyalgia (FM), conditions that often occur together. The study aims to test a new rTMS protocol that targets multiple brain areas to improve both mood and pain symptoms. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or a sham treatment, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of this approach. The goal is to provide a more effective treatment option for individuals who struggle with both depression and chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from both depression and chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that rTMS has shown promise in treating both depression and moderate pain, indicating potential for success with this novel multi-target approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corlier, Juliana — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Corlier, Juliana
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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.