Using personalized brain stimulation to improve treatment for depression

Resonant Frequency rTMS: A Novel Approach to Target Circuit Modulation in MDD

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-10994633

This study is exploring a new way to help people with depression by using a special type of brain stimulation that targets specific areas in the brain, aiming to find the best settings for each person to feel better faster.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10994633 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a new method of using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) by targeting specific brain circuits. The approach personalizes treatment by identifying each patient's optimal resonant frequency for stimulation, which is believed to enhance the effectiveness of the therapy. By employing a novel TMS-electroencephalography method, researchers will determine the best frequencies for stimulating mood-regulating circuits in the brain. The goal is to improve connectivity in these circuits, leading to faster and more effective symptom relief for patients with depression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who have not responded adequately to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with depression who are not eligible for rTMS or those with other psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for individuals suffering from Major Depressive Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with rTMS, but this personalized approach using resonant frequencies is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

LOS ANGELES, 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 →

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.