Heather Burrell Ward, MD
@heatherwardmd.bsky.social
Psychiatrist. Director of Neuromodulation Research & Assistant Professor @VUMCPsych using fMRI/TMS to study the brain circuit basis of co-occurring substance use and psychotic disorders. Mom. www.vumc.org/heatherwardlab/
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
This recent Research Highlight from @heatherwardmd.bsky.social discusses how single rTMS sessions with fMRI to probe mechanism are critical stepping stones that line the path toward highly effective neuromodulation interventions for substance use
www.nature.com/artic...
www.nature.com/artic...
One step at a time: use of single-session rTMS to test novel targets for substance use disorders
Neuropsychopharmacology - One step at a time: use of single-session rTMS to test novel targets for substance use disorders
www.nature.com
July 16, 2025 at 6:27 PM
This recent Research Highlight from @heatherwardmd.bsky.social discusses how single rTMS sessions with fMRI to probe mechanism are critical stepping stones that line the path toward highly effective neuromodulation interventions for substance use
www.nature.com/artic...
www.nature.com/artic...
1. Excited to share our new publication in @apa-journals.bsky.social with Alex Moussa-Tooks @iubccnc that links grip strength 🏋️♂️ and well-being to alterations in resting-state network connectivity 🧠
psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...
psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...
Grip Strength as a Marker of Resting-State Network Integrity and Well-Being in Early Psychosis | American Journal of Psychiatry
Objective: Psychomotor function is a critical marker of risk and outcome of psychosis. Grip strength is one aspect of psychomotor function that is known to be linked to structural neural integrity and...
psychiatryonline.org
July 14, 2025 at 6:46 PM
1. Excited to share our new publication in @apa-journals.bsky.social with Alex Moussa-Tooks @iubccnc that links grip strength 🏋️♂️ and well-being to alterations in resting-state network connectivity 🧠
psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...
psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...
1. Excited to share “Rewiring recovery: Patient-centered 🧲🧠 neuromodulation interventions for substance use disorders that meet people where they are,” in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with @VUMCPsych collaborators Sophia Blyth and Kristopher Kast www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
June 25, 2025 at 2:35 PM
1. Excited to share “Rewiring recovery: Patient-centered 🧲🧠 neuromodulation interventions for substance use disorders that meet people where they are,” in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with @VUMCPsych collaborators Sophia Blyth and Kristopher Kast www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Studies like Petersen et al. that use single rTMS sessions with fMRI to probe the mechanism of rTMS for substance use disorders are critical stepping stones toward highly effective neuromodulation interventions for substance use
@heatherwardmd.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@heatherwardmd.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
One step at a time: use of single-session rTMS to test novel targets for substance use disorders - Neuropsychopharmacology
Neuropsychopharmacology - One step at a time: use of single-session rTMS to test novel targets for substance use disorders
www.nature.com
June 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Studies like Petersen et al. that use single rTMS sessions with fMRI to probe the mechanism of rTMS for substance use disorders are critical stepping stones toward highly effective neuromodulation interventions for substance use
@heatherwardmd.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@heatherwardmd.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Over the next 25 years, if proposed cuts in NIH funding are made real, “In a population of more than 340 million, this reflects **82 million** fewer years of life.”
In the US alone.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
In the US alone.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Cutting the NIH—The $8 Trillion Health Care Catastrophe
This JAMA Forum discusses the recent budget cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH), the effects of these cuts on scientific research and health of individuals in the US, and the prospects for cha...
jamanetwork.com
June 15, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Over the next 25 years, if proposed cuts in NIH funding are made real, “In a population of more than 340 million, this reflects **82 million** fewer years of life.”
In the US alone.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
In the US alone.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
This was such a fun Research Highlights piece to write for @npp-journal.bsky.social! I basically got to 👏 the impressive 🧲 🧠 work of @npetersen.bsky.social 🤩
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
One step at a time: use of single-session rTMS to test novel targets for substance use disorders - Neuropsychopharmacology
Neuropsychopharmacology - One step at a time: use of single-session rTMS to test novel targets for substance use disorders
www.nature.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:37 PM
This was such a fun Research Highlights piece to write for @npp-journal.bsky.social! I basically got to 👏 the impressive 🧲 🧠 work of @npetersen.bsky.social 🤩
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Excited to announce award of my K99/R00 "Theta burst modulation of hippocampal-cortical rhythms in schizophrenia," under amazing mentors at Stanford including @coreykeller.bsky.social! We will ask whether hippocampal oscillations can be systematically influenced by stimulation in schizophrenia.
RePORT ⟩ RePORTER
reporter.nih.gov
June 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Excited to announce award of my K99/R00 "Theta burst modulation of hippocampal-cortical rhythms in schizophrenia," under amazing mentors at Stanford including @coreykeller.bsky.social! We will ask whether hippocampal oscillations can be systematically influenced by stimulation in schizophrenia.
1. Our new @JAMAPsych publication shows that provoking symptoms before administering TMS for OCD and nicotine dependence may enhance clinical response. Read more here & tweetorial below: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
June 9, 2025 at 12:45 PM
1. Our new @JAMAPsych publication shows that provoking symptoms before administering TMS for OCD and nicotine dependence may enhance clinical response. Read more here & tweetorial below: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Co-authors include intern Ishaan Gadiyar, @kaidikang.bsky.social (PhD biostat 2025 @vanderbilt.edu) @vandyatvandy.bsky.social & @heatherwardmd.bsky.social VUMC News feature: news.vumc.org/2025/06/06/n... #MentalHealth
New study highlights potential boost to brain stimulation therapy through targeted symptom provocation
A study explores deliberately triggering symptoms immediately before administering rTMS enhances treatment outcomes.
news.vumc.org
June 7, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Co-authors include intern Ishaan Gadiyar, @kaidikang.bsky.social (PhD biostat 2025 @vanderbilt.edu) @vandyatvandy.bsky.social & @heatherwardmd.bsky.social VUMC News feature: news.vumc.org/2025/06/06/n... #MentalHealth
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Vanderbilt PhD candidate Megan Jones @mntj21.bsky.social co-first-authored a JAMA Psychiatry review & analysis of 70+ randomized clinical trials that has collected 2K+ views (Altmetric 46) within 2 days. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam... More about her at www.vanderbilt.edu/biostatistic...
Symptom Provocation and Clinical Response to TMS
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the association between symptom provocation and efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for nicotine dependence and obsessive-compulsi...
jamanetwork.com
June 7, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Vanderbilt PhD candidate Megan Jones @mntj21.bsky.social co-first-authored a JAMA Psychiatry review & analysis of 70+ randomized clinical trials that has collected 2K+ views (Altmetric 46) within 2 days. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam... More about her at www.vanderbilt.edu/biostatistic...
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
A 45yo man with a history of TBI and seizures presents with depression resistant to multiple medications. What should be the next treatment? Experts review rTMS, ECT, ketamine, and neurosurgery in this Clinical Challenge @heatherwardmd.bsky.social journals.lww.com/hrpjournal/f...
A Case of Treatment-Resistant Depression Complicated by... : Harvard Review of Psychiatry
An abstract is unavailable.
journals.lww.com
April 29, 2025 at 6:22 PM
A 45yo man with a history of TBI and seizures presents with depression resistant to multiple medications. What should be the next treatment? Experts review rTMS, ECT, ketamine, and neurosurgery in this Clinical Challenge @heatherwardmd.bsky.social journals.lww.com/hrpjournal/f...
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
🥗 If these aren't fightin' words, I don't know what are.
A new analysis reveals that Trump’s tax plan will “actively transfer money from low-income people to the top 0.1% of income earners.”
🔗: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
🔗: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
April 2, 2025 at 3:50 AM
🥗 If these aren't fightin' words, I don't know what are.
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
The entire SAMHSA staff that manages the National Survey on Drug Use and Health has been terminated. This is the only survey that tracks mental health and substance use trends in the US.
We really are flying blind now.
We really are flying blind now.
April 1, 2025 at 12:56 PM
The entire SAMHSA staff that manages the National Survey on Drug Use and Health has been terminated. This is the only survey that tracks mental health and substance use trends in the US.
We really are flying blind now.
We really are flying blind now.
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Unsurprisingly, funding has now also been terminated at University of Pittsburgh. Work from my outstanding colleagues in Psychiatry & Psychology, Erika Forbes and Jennifer Silk, investigating suicide in LGBQT young adults, terminated midstream😩
PA folks, add this to your daily calls to congress ☎️
PA folks, add this to your daily calls to congress ☎️
March 26, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Unsurprisingly, funding has now also been terminated at University of Pittsburgh. Work from my outstanding colleagues in Psychiatry & Psychology, Erika Forbes and Jennifer Silk, investigating suicide in LGBQT young adults, terminated midstream😩
PA folks, add this to your daily calls to congress ☎️
PA folks, add this to your daily calls to congress ☎️
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Unclear why outstanding scientists @crodriguezmdphd.bsky.social and @thebalelab.bsky.social were removed from their important service on the NIH advisory board. Would be great to get some transparency on this…
At least four neuroscientists received termination letters this week dismissing them from NIH advisory boards. “This is unusual and unprecedented,” says @thebalelab.bsky.social, one of the terminated board members.
By @callimcflurry.bsky.social @avaskham.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
bit.ly/4hM0Xa3
By @callimcflurry.bsky.social @avaskham.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
bit.ly/4hM0Xa3
Acting NIH director dismisses four neuroscientists from advisory boards
The letters they received this week did not include a reason for their termination.
www.thetransmitter.org
March 26, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Unclear why outstanding scientists @crodriguezmdphd.bsky.social and @thebalelab.bsky.social were removed from their important service on the NIH advisory board. Would be great to get some transparency on this…
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
I'm happy to share our paper in @npp-journal.bsky.social on rsFC, cue-reactivity, and craving in nicotine smoking AND vaping! Thanks to coauthors, @amy.janeslab.org @blaisefrederick.bsky.social @ckorponay.bsky.social @mariascavnicky.bsky.social Here's what we found 🧵 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Brain reactivity to nicotine cues mediates the link between resting-state connectivity and cue-induced craving in individuals who smoke or vape nicotine - Neuropsychopharmacology
Neuropsychopharmacology - Brain reactivity to nicotine cues mediates the link between resting-state connectivity and cue-induced craving in individuals who smoke or vape nicotine
www.nature.com
March 13, 2025 at 7:10 PM
I'm happy to share our paper in @npp-journal.bsky.social on rsFC, cue-reactivity, and craving in nicotine smoking AND vaping! Thanks to coauthors, @amy.janeslab.org @blaisefrederick.bsky.social @ckorponay.bsky.social @mariascavnicky.bsky.social Here's what we found 🧵 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Small but mighty gathering in Omaha today by UNMC campus. Glad to be there with Adunaevsky.bsky.social!
March 8, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Small but mighty gathering in Omaha today by UNMC campus. Glad to be there with Adunaevsky.bsky.social!
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Proud to stand up for science on the steps of the Tennessee state capital in Nashville! #standupforscience
March 7, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Proud to stand up for science on the steps of the Tennessee state capital in Nashville! #standupforscience
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
NIH budget: $ 48b
Musk wealth: $351b
Both are mostly funded by your tax dollars
But only one might save your life
.
.
.
.
Sources:
www.nih.gov/about-nih/wh...
Search results: elon musk net worth g.co/kgs/6c8YEuB
@standupforscience.bsky.social
Musk wealth: $351b
Both are mostly funded by your tax dollars
But only one might save your life
.
.
.
.
Sources:
www.nih.gov/about-nih/wh...
Search results: elon musk net worth g.co/kgs/6c8YEuB
@standupforscience.bsky.social
Google Search
g.co
March 8, 2025 at 12:00 AM
NIH budget: $ 48b
Musk wealth: $351b
Both are mostly funded by your tax dollars
But only one might save your life
.
.
.
.
Sources:
www.nih.gov/about-nih/wh...
Search results: elon musk net worth g.co/kgs/6c8YEuB
@standupforscience.bsky.social
Musk wealth: $351b
Both are mostly funded by your tax dollars
But only one might save your life
.
.
.
.
Sources:
www.nih.gov/about-nih/wh...
Search results: elon musk net worth g.co/kgs/6c8YEuB
@standupforscience.bsky.social
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
Stand Up For Science TN (Nashville) was a success! Thanks to everyone who came out and @campbell4tn.bsky.social and @aftynbehn.bsky.social for coming out and adding their voices to the fight!
@standupforscience.bsky.social #standupforscience2025
@standupforscience.bsky.social #standupforscience2025
March 7, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Stand Up For Science TN (Nashville) was a success! Thanks to everyone who came out and @campbell4tn.bsky.social and @aftynbehn.bsky.social for coming out and adding their voices to the fight!
@standupforscience.bsky.social #standupforscience2025
@standupforscience.bsky.social #standupforscience2025
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
The mood was defiant at many of the rallies, where chants of “Scientists will not be silenced”, “Facts over fear” and “What do we want? Peer review! When do we want it? Now!” were heard.
https://go.nature.com/3F8T6FX
https://go.nature.com/3F8T6FX
‘Scientists will not be silenced’: thousands protest Trump research cuts
Researchers at Stand Up for Science rallies voice defiance against the policies of US President Donald Trump’s administration.
go.nature.com
March 7, 2025 at 8:50 PM
The mood was defiant at many of the rallies, where chants of “Scientists will not be silenced”, “Facts over fear” and “What do we want? Peer review! When do we want it? Now!” were heard.
https://go.nature.com/3F8T6FX
https://go.nature.com/3F8T6FX
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
#standupforscience2025 in Nashville was a big success. I spoke. I didn’t throw up. 😂 Love seeing all the pics from around the country and around the world. Out of the lab and into the streets! @standupforscience.bsky.social
March 8, 2025 at 12:23 AM
#standupforscience2025 in Nashville was a big success. I spoke. I didn’t throw up. 😂 Love seeing all the pics from around the country and around the world. Out of the lab and into the streets! @standupforscience.bsky.social
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
What's new at @acnporg.bsky.social in 2025?
A whole *new* cohort of ACNP Associate Members! 🤩
Over the next few months, we'll be introducing our new Associate Members, so keep an eye out & send congrats their way! #WelcomeToACNP👋
Today, say hello to Dr. Gustavo Angarita from Yale Psychiatry 👇
A whole *new* cohort of ACNP Associate Members! 🤩
Over the next few months, we'll be introducing our new Associate Members, so keep an eye out & send congrats their way! #WelcomeToACNP👋
Today, say hello to Dr. Gustavo Angarita from Yale Psychiatry 👇
March 4, 2025 at 7:43 PM
What's new at @acnporg.bsky.social in 2025?
A whole *new* cohort of ACNP Associate Members! 🤩
Over the next few months, we'll be introducing our new Associate Members, so keep an eye out & send congrats their way! #WelcomeToACNP👋
Today, say hello to Dr. Gustavo Angarita from Yale Psychiatry 👇
A whole *new* cohort of ACNP Associate Members! 🤩
Over the next few months, we'll be introducing our new Associate Members, so keep an eye out & send congrats their way! #WelcomeToACNP👋
Today, say hello to Dr. Gustavo Angarita from Yale Psychiatry 👇
Reposted by Heather Burrell Ward, MD
At the Capitol in NASHVILLE today…
March 4, 2025 at 9:54 PM
At the Capitol in NASHVILLE today…