The study, published in NeuroImage, examined temporal interference stimulation, an emerging technology designed to reach areas deep within the brain without surgery. The technique uses weak electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed on the scalp to influence activity in the ventral striatum, a deep brain region involved in motivation and reward.

The ventral striatum is especially relevant to anhedonia, or the reduced ability to experience pleasure. Anhedonia is a common feature of depression and several other psychiatric conditions.