The Brain Stimulation and Neurophysiology Division uses innovative technologies and tools to investigate brain function and improve mental health, clinical services, and educational activities.

Our Programs

Brain Stimulation Clinic and Research Program
The Brain Stimulation Clinic and Research Program examines technologies that alter brain function using electrical or magnetic stimulation. Clinical services, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are offered. For more information on our clinical trials and services for patients, please contact Lis Bernhardt at 919-681-0603.

Duke Sleep Clinic (DSC)
The Duke Sleep Clinic is a leader in sleep research and clinical treatments for patients with sleep disorders. The program is dedicated to better understanding the functions of normal sleep, to delineate the mechanisms of sleep disorders, and to develop better treatments for sleep disorders.

Brain Stimulation Engineering Lab (BSEL)
The Brain Stimulation Engineering lab develops new devices and technologies to further the field of brain stimulation.

Noninvasive Neuromodulatory Neuroscience (N3) Lab
The Noninvasive Neuromodulatory Neuroscience Lab uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and other electromagnetic means of altering brain function to investigate working memory, conditioned learning, pain, deception, visual perception, and self-recognition.

Laboratory for Psychiatric Neuroengineering
Our mission is to use engineering approaches to uncover how changes in brain circuits lead to psychiatric illness.The lab also aims to develop new devices to repair brain circuits in individuals suffering from these devastating illnesses.

Perception, Performance, and Psychophysiology Lab (P3)
The P3 lab is a newly forming research project investigating the psychological and neurophysiological factors that influence human perception and performance. Our lab will be setting up during the fall of 2012.

Neurocognitive Research Laboratory (NRL)
Directed by Dr. Shawn McClintock, the NRL is a state-of-the-art facility for the development and implementation of clinical and translational neurocognitive measures to investigate relationships between neuropsychiatric diseases, neurotherapeutic interventions, and neurocognitive functions.

News

Magnets Used To Treat Depression at Duke
ABC Eyewitness News, May 7, 2013

Duke Researcher Brings Electricity, Magnetism to Depression Treatment
North Carolina Health News, April 25, 2013

Promising Depression Therapy
New York Times, February 11, 2013

Duke study shows magnet therapy can help depression
WRAL-TV, February 5, 2013

ECT Still Alive and Well
The Carlat Report, October 2012, Vol. 10, Issue 10

Stroboscopic visual training enhances memory
Wall Street Journal, July 23, 2012

Advances in shock therapy helping patients with depression
WRAL-TV, May 16, 2012

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Q&A with Sarah Hollingsworth Lisanby, MD
DukeHealth.org, March 6, 2012

The Shock That Could Save Your Life
The Doctor Oz Show, January 25, 2012

Treating Depression with Electroconvulsive Therapy
DoctorOz.com, January 25, 2012

Brain Stimulation Found to Speed Up Learning
ABC News, September 21, 2011

Not-So-Deep Brain Stimulation: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Duke
DukeMed Magazine, June 28, 2011

FDA Advisory Panel Favors ECT in High-Risk Category
Psychiatric News, March 4, 2011

Using Electricity, Magnets for Mental Illness
The Wall Street Journal, January 11, 2011