Dr Stevan Nikolin

Dr Stevan Nikolin

Lecturer

PhD (Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, 2019)

MComm (International Business, University of New South Wales, 2010)

BSc (Physics & Psychology, University of New South Wales, 2008)

Medicine & Health
School of Clinical Medicine

I am currently a Neuroscience Fellow based at the Black Dog Institute. As a neuroscientist and clinical researcher, I focus on understanding how depression affects brain activity to help develop new treatments and to improve existing treatments. I have three broad interests: Developing new treatments for depression, such as non-invasive brain stimulation, ketamine, and psilocybin; Understanding and improving cognition through the use of brain stimulation and cognitive electrophysiology (i.e., using electroencephalography; EEG); Using EEG techniques to gain deeper insights into the pathophysiology of clinical disorders such as depression.

 

Phone
+61410922801
  • Book Chapters | 2021
    Martin D; Nikolin S, 2021, 'Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive emotional training (CET) as a novel treatment for depression', in The Neuroscience of Depression, 1st Edition: Volume 1-2, pp. V1-447-V1-456, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817933-8.00054-2
    Book Chapters | 2021
    Martin D; Nikolin S, 2021, 'Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive emotional training (CET) as a novel treatment for depression', in The Neuroscience of Depression, Elsevier, pp. 447 - 456, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-817933-8.00054-2
    Book Chapters | 2021
    Salehinejad MA; Nikolin S; Vicario CM; Nitsche MA; Loo CK; Brunoni AR, 2021, 'Safety and Tolerability', in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Springer International Publishing, pp. 667 - 676, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76136-3_35
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Aoki N; Tajika A; Suwa T; Kawashima H; Yasuda K; Shimizu T; Uchinuma N; Tominaga H; Tan XW; Koh AHK; Tor PC; Nikolin S; Martin D; Kato M; Loo C; Kinoshita T; Furukawa TA; Takekita Y, 2024, 'Relapse Following Electroconvulsive Therapy for Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.', Schizophr Bull, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbae169
    Journal articles | 2024
    Loo C; Glozier N; Barton D; Baune BT; Mills NT; Fitzgerald P; Glue P; Sarma S; Galvez-Ortiz V; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Alonzo A; Dong V; Martin D; Nikolin S; Mitchell PB; Berk M; Carter G; Hackett M; Leyden J; Hood S; Somogyi AA; Lapidus K; Stratton E; Gainsford K; Garg D; Thornton NLR; Fourrier C; Richardson K; Rozakis D; Scaria A; Mihalopoulos C; Chatterton ML; McDonald WM; Boyce P; Holtzheimer PE; Kozel FA; Riva-Posse P; Rodgers A, 2024, 'Efficacy and safety of a 4-week course of repeated subcutaneous ketamine injections for treatment-resistant depression (KADS study): randomised double-blind active-controlled trial - CORRIGENDUM', The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 225, pp. 349, http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2024.189
    Journal articles | 2024
    Martin DM; Nikolin S, 2024, '“Closing the Loop” With Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for Depression', American Journal of Psychiatry, 181, pp. 793 - 794, http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.20240603
    Journal articles | 2024
    Martin DM; Su Y; Chan HF; Dielenberg V; Chow E; Xu M; Wang A; Nikolin S; Moffa AH; Loo CK, 2024, 'Individualised Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Targeting of the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for Enhancing Cognition: A Randomised Controlled Trial', Brain Sciences, 14, pp. 299, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14040299
    Journal articles | 2024
    Razza LB; De Smet S; Cornelis X; Nikolin S; Pulopulos MM; De Raedt R; Brunoni AR; Vanderhasselt MA, 2024, 'Dose-dependent response of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation on the heart rate variability: An electric field modeling study', Psychophysiology, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/psyp.14556
    Journal articles | 2024
    Solaja I; Haldane K; Mason N; Weiss B; Xu X; Xu M; Nikolin S; Jayasena T; Millard M; Brett J; Bayes A; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2024, 'Who are you after psychedelics? A systematic review and a meta-analysis of the magnitude of long-term effects of serotonergic psychedelics on cognition/creativity, emotional processing and personality', Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 158, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105570
    Journal articles | 2024
    Xu M; Nikolin S; Moffa AM; Xu XM; Su Y; Li R; Chan HF; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2024, 'Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation targeting the left prefrontal cortex and cerebellum does not affect executive functions in healthy individuals', Scientific Reports, 14, pp. 11847, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61404-9
    Journal articles | 2024
    Xu M; Nikolin S; Samaratunga N; Chow EJH; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2024, 'Cognitive Effects Following Offline High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HF-rTMS) in Healthy Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Neuropsychology Review, 34, pp. 250 - 276, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11065-023-09580-9
    Journal articles | 2024
    Xu X; Xu M; Cao TV; Nikolin S; Moffa AH; Loo C; Martin D, 2024, '330. Assessing the Combined Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Cognitive Training for Improving Response Inhibition', Biological Psychiatry, 95, pp. S235 - S235, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.02.829
    Journal articles | 2023
    Harvey AJ; Nikolin S; Chand N; Flanney W; Tan L; Moffa A; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2023, 'Change in Negative Affective Bias following a Single Ketamine Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression', Depression and Anxiety, 2023, pp. 1 - 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/3371272
    Journal articles | 2023
    Loo C; Glozier N; Barton D; Baune BT; Mills NT; Fitzgerald P; Glue P; Sarma S; Galvez-Ortiz V; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Alonzo A; Dong V; Martin D; Nikolin S; Mitchell PB; Berk M; Carter G; Hackett M; Leyden J; Hood S; Somogyi AA; Lapidus K; Stratton E; Gainsford K; Garg D; Thornton NLR; Fourrier C; Richardson K; Rozakis D; Scaria A; Mihalopoulos C; Chatterton ML; Mcdonald WM; Boyce P; Holtzheimer PE; Kozel FA; Riva-Posse P; Rodgers A, 2023, 'Efficacy and safety of a 4-week course of repeated subcutaneous ketamine injections for treatment-resistant depression (KADS study): randomised double-blind active-controlled trial', British Journal of Psychiatry, 223, pp. 533 - 541, http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2023.79
    Journal articles | 2023
    Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo CK; Boonstra TW, 2023, 'Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates Working Memory Maintenance Processes in Healthy Individuals', Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 35, pp. 468 - 484, http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_01957
    Journal articles | 2023
    Nikolin S; Moffa A; Razza L; Martin D; Brunoni A; Palm U; Padberg F; Bennabi D; Haffen E; Blumberger DM; Salehinejad MA; Loo CK, 2023, 'Time-course of the tDCS antidepressant effect: An individual participant data meta-analysis', Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 125, pp. 110752, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110752
    Journal articles | 2023
    Nikolin S; Rodgers A; Schwaab A; Bahji A; Zarate C; Vazquez G; Loo C, 2023, 'Ketamine for the treatment of major depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis', eClinicalMedicine, 62, pp. 102127, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102127
    Journal articles | 2023
    Xu M; Nikolin S; Samaratunga N; Chow EJH; Loo CK; Martin D, 2023, 'Cognitive enhancement following offline high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) in healthy populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Brain Stimulation, 16, pp. 258, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2023.01.422
    Journal articles | 2023
    Xu X; Xu M; Su Y; Cao TV; Nikolin S; Moffa A; Loo C; Martin D, 2023, 'Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Combined with Psychological Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials', Brain Sciences, 13, pp. 1665, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121665
    Journal articles | 2022
    Moffa AH; Boonstra TW; Wang A; Martin D; Loo C; Nikolin S, 2022, 'Neuromodulatory effects of theta burst stimulation to the prefrontal cortex', Scientific Data, 9, pp. 717, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41597-022-01820-6
    Journal articles | 2022
    Moffa AH; Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo C; Boonstra TW, 2022, 'Reliability of transcranial magnetic stimulation evoked potentials to detect the effects of theta-burst stimulation of the prefrontal cortex', Neuroimage: Reports, 2, pp. 100115, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ynirp.2022.100115
    Journal articles | 2022
    Nikolin S; Chand N; Martin D; Rushby J; Loo CK; Boonstra TW, 2022, 'Lack of Evidence for a Reduced Late Positive Potential in Major Depressive Disorder', N, pp. 2020.04.29.20085571, http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.29.20085571
    Journal articles | 2022
    Nikolin S; Chand N; Martin D; Rushby J; Loo CK; Boonstra TW, 2022, 'Little evidence for a reduced late positive potential to unpleasant stimuli in major depressive disorder', Neuroimage: Reports, 2, pp. 100077, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ynirp.2022.100077
    Journal articles | 2022
    Nikolin S; Owens K; Francis-Taylor R; Chaimani A; Martin DM; Bull M; Sackeim HA; McLoughlin DM; Sienaert P; Kellner CH; Loo C, 2022, 'Comparative efficacy, cognitive effects and acceptability of electroconvulsive therapies for the treatment of depression: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis', BMJ Open, 12, pp. e068313, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068313
    Journal articles | 2022
    Wang A; Nikolin S; Moffa AH; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2022, 'A novel approach for targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for transcranial magnetic stimulation using a cognitive task', Experimental Brain Research, 240, pp. 71 - 80, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00221-021-06233-2
    Journal articles | 2021
    De Smet S; Nikolin S; Moffa A; Suen P; Vanderhasselt MA; Brunoni AR; Razza LB, 2021, 'Determinants of sham response in tDCS depression trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 109, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110261
    Journal articles | 2021
    Nikolin S; Tan YY; Martin D; Moffa A; Loo CK; Boonstra TW, 2021, 'Behavioural and neurophysiological differences in working memory function of depressed patients and healthy controls', Journal of Affective Disorders, 295, pp. 559 - 568, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.083
    Journal articles | 2021
    Nikolin S; Tan YY; Schwaab A; Moffa A; Loo CK; Martin D, 2021, 'An investigation of working memory deficits in depression using the n-back task: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Affective Disorders, 284, pp. 1 - 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.01.084
    Journal articles | 2020
    Martin DM; Wollny-Huttarsch D; Nikolin S; McClintock SM; Alonzo A; Lisanby SH; Loo CK, 2020, 'Neurocognitive subgroups in major depressive disorder', Neuropsychology, 34, pp. 726 - 734, http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/neu0000626
    Journal articles | 2020
    Nikolin S; Alonzo A; Martin D; Gálvez V; Buten S; Taylor R; Goldstein J; Oxley C; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Loo CK; de Matos Moffa AH, 2020, 'Transcranial random noise stimulation for the acute treatment of depression: a randomized controlled trial', BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY, 87, pp. 19004218, http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/19004218
    Journal articles | 2020
    Nikolin S; Alonzo A; Martin D; Gálvez V; Buten S; Taylor R; Goldstein J; Oxley C; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Loo CK, 2020, 'Transcranial random noise stimulation for the acute treatment of depression: A randomized controlled trial', International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 23, pp. 146 - 156, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyz072
    Journal articles | 2020
    Nikolin S; Alonzo A; Martin D; Gálvez V; Buten S; Taylor R; Goldstein J; Oxley C; Moffa AH; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Loo C, 2020, 'Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation for the Acute Treatment of Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial', Biological Psychiatry, 87, pp. s455 - s456, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.02.1160
    Journal articles | 2020
    Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo CK; Iacoviello BM; Boonstra TW, 2020, 'Assessing neurophysiological changes associated with combined transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive-emotional training for treatment-resistant depression', European Journal of Neuroscience, 51, pp. 2119 - 2133, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14656
    Journal articles | 2020
    Nikolin S; Tan YY; Martin D; Moffa A; Loo C; Boonstra T, 2020, 'Behavioural and neurophysiological differences in working memory function of depressed patients and healthy controls', , http://dx.doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/h8dmr
    Journal articles | 2020
    Taylor R; Wark H; Leyden J; Simpson B; McGoldrick J; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Han HK; Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo C, 2020, 'Effects of the Anaesthetic-ECT time interval and ventilation rate on seizure quality in electroconvulsive therapy: A prospective randomised trial', Brain Stimulation, 13, pp. 450 - 456, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2019.12.012
    Journal articles | 2019
    Gan T; Nikolin S; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2019, 'Effects of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Theta Burst Stimulation for Modulating the Posterior Parietal Cortex', Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 25, pp. 972 - 984, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1355617719000766
    Journal articles | 2019
    Martin D; Lin F; Bai S; Moffa A; Taylor R; Nikolin S; Bull M; Dokos S; Loo CK, 2019, 'A systematic review and computational modelling analysis of unilateral montages in electroconvulsive therapy', Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 140, pp. 408 - 425, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/acps.13089
    Journal articles | 2019
    Nikolin S; D'Souza O; Vulovic V; Alonzo A; Chand N; Dong V; Martin D; Loo C, 2019, 'Comparison of site localization techniques for brain stimulation', Journal of ECT, 35, pp. 127 - 132, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/YCT.0000000000000537
    Journal articles | 2019
    Nikolin S; Lauf S; Loo CK; Martin D, 2019, 'Effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of the intraparietal sulcus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on working memory and divided attention', Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 12, pp. 64, http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2018.00064
    Journal articles | 2019
    Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo CK; Iacoviello BM; Boonstra TW, 2019, 'Assessing neurophysiological changes associated with combined transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive emotional training for treatment-resistant depression', European Journal of Neuroscience, pp. 688317 - 688317, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14656
    Journal articles | 2019
    Taylor R; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Nikolin S; Bull M; Wark H; Leyden J; Harper S; Martin D; Galvez V; Loo C, 2019, 'The anaesthetic-ECT time interval with thiopentone—Impact on seizure quality', Journal of Affective Disorders, 252, pp. 135 - 140, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.04.027
    Journal articles | 2019
    Nikolin S; Chand N; Loo C; Iacoviello B; Hoch M; Martin D, 2019, 'Clinical effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive emotional training in patients with treatment resistant depression', Brain Stimulation, vol. 12, pp. 482 - 482, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.573
    Journal articles | 2019
    Nikolin S; Huggins C; Martin D; Alonzo A; Loo C, 2019, 'Adverse events associated with repeated sessions of tDCS: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Brain Stimulation, vol. 12, pp. 483 - 483, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.577
    Journal articles | 2019
    Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo C; Boonstra T, 2019, 'Dosage effects of tDCS on working memory and neurophysiological outcomes', Brain Stimulation, vol. 12, pp. 482 - 483, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.575
    Journal articles | 2018
    Martin DM; McClintock SM; Aaronson ST; Alonzo A; Husain MM; Lisanby SH; McDonald WM; Mohan A; Nikolin S; O'Reardon J; Weickert CS; Loo CK, 2018, 'Pre-treatment attentional processing speed and antidepressant response to transcranial direct current stimulation: Results from an international randomized controlled trial', Brain Stimulation, 11, pp. 1282 - 1290, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.08.011
    Journal articles | 2018
    Martin DM; Moffa A; Nikolin S; Bennabi D; Brunoni AR; Flannery W; Haffen E; McClintock SM; Moreno ML; Padberg F; Palm U; Loo CK, 2018, 'Cognitive effects of transcranial direct current stimulation treatment in patients with major depressive disorder: An individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised, sham-controlled trials', Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 90, pp. 137 - 145, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.04.008
    Journal articles | 2018
    Moffa AH; Brunoni AR; Nikolin S; Loo CK, 2018, 'Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Psychiatric Disorders: A Comprehensive Review', Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 41, pp. 447 - 463, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2018.05.002
    Journal articles | 2018
    Nikolin S; Huggins C; Martin D; Alonzo A; Loo CK, 2018, 'Safety of repeated sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation: A systematic review', Brain Stimulation, 11, pp. 278 - 288, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2017.10.020
    Journal articles | 2018
    Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo CK; Boonstra TW, 2018, 'Effects of TDCS dosage on working memory in healthy participants', Brain Stimulation, 11, pp. 518 - 527, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.01.003
    Journal articles | 2018
    Moffa AH; Martin D; Nikolin S; Bennabi D; Brunoni A; Flannery W; Haffen E; McClintock S; Moreno M; Padberg F; Palm U; Loo C, 2018, 'S153. Cognitive Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Randomised Sham Controlled Trials', Biological Psychiatry, vol. 83, pp. S407 - S408, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.02.1045
    Journal articles | 2018
    Nikolin S; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2018, 'A response to comments by Dr. Mohammad Alwardat on “Safety of repeated sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation: A systematic review”', Brain Stimulation, vol. 11, pp. 938 - 941, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.03.011
    Journal articles | 2017
    Gálvez V; Nikolin S; Ho KA; Alonzo A; Somogyi AA; Loo CK, 2017, 'Increase in PAS-induced neuroplasticity after a treatment course of intranasal ketamine for depression. Report of three cases from a placebo-controlled trial', Comprehensive Psychiatry, 73, pp. 31 - 34, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.10.012
    Journal articles | 2017
    Nikolin S; Boonstra T; Martin D; Loo C, 2017, 'P250 Transcranial direct current stimulation of the prefrontal cortex disrupts learning in a working memory task', Clinical Neurophysiology, 128, pp. e135 - e135, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2016.10.364
    Journal articles | 2017
    Nikolin S; Boonstra TW; Loo CK; Martin D, 2017, 'Combined effect of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation and a working memory task on heart rate variability', PLoS ONE, 12, pp. e0181833, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181833
    Journal articles | 2017
    Nikolin S; Boonstra TW; Loo CK; Martin D, 2017, 'Prefrontal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation increases parasympathetic nerve activity', Brain Stimulation, 10, pp. 432 - 432, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2017.01.286
    Journal articles | 2016
    Boonstra TW; Nikolin S; Meisener AC; Martin DM; Loo CK, 2016, 'Change in mean frequency of resting-state electroencephalography after transcranial direct current stimulation', Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00270
    Journal articles | 2016
    Nikolin S; Lindner H; Bilston LE; Brown J, 2016, 'Family day care educators as a source of child car safety information for parents', International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 54, pp. 24 - 33, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14635240.2015.1054946
    Journal articles | 2015
    Nikolin S; Loo CK; Bai S; Dokos S; Martin DM, 2015, 'Focalised stimulation using high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to investigate declarative verbal learning and memory functioning', NeuroImage, 117, pp. 11 - 19, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.05.019
    Journal articles | 2013
    Brown J; Burton D; Nikolin N; Crooks P; Hatfield J; Bilston LE; Nikolin S, 2013, 'A qualitative approach using the integrative model of behaviour change to identify intervention strategies to increase optimal child restraint practices among culturally and linguistically diverse families in New South Wales', Injury Prevention, 19, pp. 6 - 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040211
    Journal articles | 2012
    nikolin S; Lindner H; Bilston LE; Brown J, 2012, 'Victorian family day care scheme providers’ knowledge of child restraint best practice', Journal of the Australian College of Road Safety, 23, pp. 42 - 47
  • Working Papers | 2021
    Moffa A; Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo C; Boonstra T, 2021, Assessing neuromodulation effects of theta burst stimulation to the prefrontal cortex using TMS-evoked potentials, http://dx.doi.org10.1101/2021.06.21.449219
    Working Papers | 2017
    Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo CK; Boonstra TW, 2017, Effects of tDCS Dosage on Working Memory in Healthy Participants, http://dx.doi.org10.1101/192419
  • Preprints | 2024
    Nikolin S; Moffa A; Martin D; Loo C; Boonstra T, 2024, Assessing neuromodulation effects of theta burst stimulation to the prefrontal cortex using TMS-EEG, http://dx.doi.org/10.22541/au.172518635.57883417/v1
    Preprints | 2024
    Xu M; Nikolin S; Moffa AHDM; Xu X; Su Y; Li R; Chan H; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2024, Prolonged Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Targeting the Left Prefrontal Cortex and Cerebellum Does Not Affect Executive Functions in Healthy Individuals, http://dx.doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3893220/v1
    Preprints | 2023
    Razza L; Smet SD; Nikolin S; Cornelis X; Pulopulos M; Raedt RD; Brunoni A; Vanderhasselt M-A, 2023, Dose-dependent response of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation on heart rate variability: an electric field modeling study, , http://dx.doi.org/10.22541/au.169393506.60495475/v1
    Preprints | 2022
    Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo C; Boonstra T, 2022, TDCS MODULATES WORKING MEMORY MAINTENANCE PROCESSES IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS, http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.23.517774
    Preprints | 2021
    Moffa A; Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo C; Boonstra T, 2021, Reliability of transcranial magnetic stimulation evoked potentials to detect the effects of theta-burst stimulation of the prefrontal cortex, http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2021.12.11.472198
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Nikolin S; Chand N; Loo C; Iacoviello B; Hoch M; Martin D, 2019, 'Clinical effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive emotional training in patients with treatment resistant depression', in Brain Stimulation, Elsevier BV, Vol. 12, pp. 482 - 482, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.573
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Nikolin S; Huggins C; Martin D; Alonzo A; Loo C, 2019, 'Adverse events associated with repeated sessions of tDCS: A systematic review and meta-analysis', in Brain Stimulation, Elsevier BV, Vol. 12, pp. 483 - 483, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.577
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Nikolin S; Martin D; Loo C; Boonstra T, 2019, 'Dosage effects of tDCS on working memory and neurophysiological outcomes', in Brain Stimulation, Elsevier BV, Vol. 12, pp. 482 - 483, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.575
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Taylor R; Wark H; Leyden J; Harper S; Simpson B; McGoldrick J; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Nikolin S; Loo C, 2019, 'Don't hold your breath - it's time to stimulate!', in Don't hold your breath - it's time to stimulate!, Vancouver, presented at 3rd International Brain Stimulation Conference, Vancouver, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.889
    Other | 2018
    Nikolin S; Loo CK; Martin DM, 2018, A response to comments by Dr. Mohammad Alwardat on “Safety of repeated sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation: A systematic review”, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.03.011
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Taylor R; Loo CK; Wark H; Leyden J; Harper S; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Nikolin S, 2018, 'The Anaesthetic-ECT Time Interval with Thiopentone', in JOURNAL OF ECT, LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, Vol. 34, pp. 203 - 203, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000443544200014&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Posters | 2017
    Moffa AH; Martin D; Nikolin S; Bennabi D; Brunoni A; Flannery W; Haffen E; McClintock S; Moreno M; Padberg F; Palm U; Loo C, 2017, 'Cognitive Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Randomised Sham Controlled Trials', NY, New York, Vol. 83, pp. S407 - S408, presented at 73rd Annual Scientific Convention and Meeting of the Society-of-Biological-Psychiatry (SOBP), NY, New York, 10 May 2017 - 12 May 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.02.1045
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Brown J; Burton D; Nikolin N; Crooks P; Hatfield J; Bilston LE, 2012, 'Using the Integrated Behaviour Change Model (ibcm) to identify intervention elements for promoting optimal child restraint practices in New South Wales', in 11th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, Injury Prevention, BMJ Journals, http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/18/Suppl_1.toc, pp. A4 - A4, presented at 11th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, Wellington, New Zealand, 01 October 2012 - 04 October 2012, http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/18/Suppl_1.toc
    Preprints |
    Loo C; Glozier N; Barton D; Baune B; Mills N; Fitzgerald PB; Glue P; Sarma S; Galvez-Ortiz V; Hadzi-Pavlovic D; Alonzo A; Dong V; Martin DM; Nikolin S; Mitchell P; Berk M; Carter G; Hackett M; Leyden J; Hood S; Somogyi A; Lapidus K; stratton E; Lyrtzis E; Gainsford K; Neehoff S; Garg D; Thornton N; Fourrier C; Richardson K; Rozakis D; Scaria A; Mihalopoulos C; Chatterton ML; McDonald W; Boyce P; Holtzheimer P; Kozel FA; Riva-Posse P; Rodgers A, Efficacy and Safety of Repeated Subcutaneous Ketamine Injections for Treatment Resistant Depression - The KADS Study: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Comparator-Controlled Trial, , http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4107711

Richard Johns Research Grant (2024), administered by the National Committee of Australian Mensa, to improve working memory by synchronising and enhancing rhythmic brain circuits. AUD $5,000

Margaret Castronova Fellowship Phase 2 (2024 – 2025) to optimise non-invasive brain stimulation techniques and investigate real-time EEG neurofeedback to reduce default mode network connectivity associated with rumination as a novel treatment for depression. AUD $360,000

Medical Research Future Fund Grant (2024 – 2027). CID for a study investigating the comparative effectiveness of ketamine and esketamine in treatment resistant depression. AUD $3,000,000

Margaret Castronova Fellowship Phase 1 (2022 – 2023) to improve dosing of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using EEG-based methods. AUD $320,000

 

UNSW Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health Career Development Seed Grant for EMCRs (2024). Seed funding to develop real-time EEG neurofeedback to reduce negative rumination. AUD $10,000.

UNSW Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health Career Development Seed Grant for EMCRs (2022). Seed funding used to support investigations on the use of EEG to optimise dosing for prefrontal TMS. AUD $8,000

UNSW High Value Data Collection (2019) to make a rich dataset publicly available. The dataset consisted of concurrent TMS-EEG and MRI recordings from 24 participants with 5 sessions each. AUD $5,100

 

 

My research focuses on developing novel therapeutic approaches for treatment-resistant depression, and better understanding the causes of depression so we can personalise treatments. To achieve this, I use several approaches. These include cognitive electrophysiology to improve therapeutic interventions such as non-invasive brain stimulation, and to develop new ones such as real-time EEG neurofeedback to reduce rumination; meta-analytic techniques to understand existing treatments and how these can be put to better use; and clinical trial research, including recent investigations of exciting new drugs such as ketamine and psilocybin. The findings from this body of research are translated into the clinics we operate at the Black Dog Institute, into the clinical trials we run, and into the courses we teach.

 

My Research Supervision

- Exploring alternative cortical targets to improve cognition using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

- Investigating how the right inferior frontal cortex (rIFC) and pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) subserve response inhibition

- Developing EEG-based methods to determine dosage, placement, and timing of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

- Investigating the brain activity underlying the n-back working memory task

- Developing a standardised EEG-based test of emotional processing

- Use of real-time EEG-based neurofeedback to disrupt the default mode network (DMN) and improve working memory

 

My Teaching

Since 2015 I have been lecturing and delivering workshops on the use of brain stimulation, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS), as part of the Sydney Neurostimulation Centre TMS and tDCS Courses. I also provide on-site practical training and credentialing on the safe and effective delivery of repetitive TMS for the treatment of depression.