This study will investigate whether temporal interference stimulation can prime deeper brain regions to enhance the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation, supporting the development of more effective, multi-target neuromodulation treatments for depression.

Summary of the project and objectives

Depression is linked to changes in communication between different areas of the brain. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, can help improve this communication, but it mainly reaches areas near the brain’s surface and does not work for everyone. This project will test whether temporal interference stimulation (TIS) can safely prepare a deeper brain region involved in mood and emotional regulation before TMS is delivered. By comparing different combinations of active and inactive stimulation, the study will explore whether using the two techniques together produces greater changes in brain activity and emotional processing than either approach alone. The findings will inform future studies in people with depression and support the development of more effective, reliable and personalised neuromodulation treatments.

Why the project is important

Although TMS is a NICE-recommended treatment for depression, it primarily targets surface brain regions and does not work consistently for everyone. Combining it with temporal interference stimulation could improve its effectiveness and reliability by targeting deeper areas involved in mood regulation, potentially reducing the number of treatment sessions required.

How we plan to achieve this

The team will conduct a pilot study involving healthy volunteers who will receive different combinations of active and sham TIS and TMS. EEG recordings and emotional-processing assessments will measure how the combined stimulation affects brain activity and emotional bias.

Funding source

NIHR (National Institute for Health Research)

Who is supporting the project

The project is supported by the University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre and the Centre for Translational Neuroscience for Mental Health. The Neuromodulation Experts-by-experience Advisory Team will help shape participant information, recruitment and interpretation of the findings. The project is also supported by the BRC Mental Health and Technology Theme and industry collaborator Brainbox.

For more information please contact:

Dr Lucy Webster, BRC Research Fellow - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.