Using brain feedback to help young adults manage anxiety

Neurofeedback-enhanced cognitive reappraisal training for young adults with anxiety

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11110318

This study is exploring a new way to help young adults aged 18-24 manage anxiety by using brain feedback to improve their skills in changing how they feel about negative images, with the hope of making it easier for them to handle their emotions and feel less anxious.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11110318 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new method to help young adults with anxiety by using neurofeedback to enhance cognitive reappraisal training. Participants will engage in tasks that involve changing their emotional responses to negative images while receiving real-time feedback on their brain activity. The goal is to improve their ability to regulate emotions and reduce anxiety symptoms. The study will involve 88 young adults aged 18-24, who will be randomly assigned to receive either active neurofeedback or a placebo treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-24 who experience elevated anxiety levels.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18-24 or those without significant anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective tool for young adults to manage and reduce their anxiety symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using neurofeedback for anxiety management, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.