Device-based brain stimulation to help Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Official title: Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of an Accelerated Protocol for Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder Using the BTL-699-2 Device
Run by BTL Industries Ltd. · NCT07819773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A non-invasive brain-stimulation device is tested to see if it can reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 22 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | BTL Industries Ltd. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 3 sites (Denver, Colorado and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 9, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 9, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07819773 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 22 or older diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder who can determine their motor threshold and commit to the treatment schedule.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants who do not respond to brain stimulation or who experience intolerable side effects may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study tests the BTL-699-2 device, a non-invasive repetitive brain stimulation tool, in adults 22 and older with GAD. Participants are randomized to active stimulation or sham treatment in an accelerated protocol. The main outcome is reduction in anxiety symptoms on the GAD-7 scale three months after the final treatment, along with safety data. Eligible participants must have stable care and be able to determine their motor threshold. The study is conducted at sites in Denver, Chicago, and Newburgh under the lead sponsor BTL Industries Ltd.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced anxiety symptoms and improved functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Prior brain-stimulation approaches have shown promise in anxiety, but efficacy for generalized anxiety with this accelerated protocol remains to be proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age ≥ 22 years
* A diagnosis of GAD according to DSM-5 criteria, confirmed by a qualified clinician at screening
* Ability to determine the motor threshold of the participant. The participant's motor threshold could be established as the minimum stimulus required to induce contraction of the right thumb
* Subjects willing and able to abstain from partaking in any treatments other than the pre-procedure therapy regime for the treatment of anxiety, including non-invasive brain stimulation treatments other than the study procedure during study participation
* Willingness to comply with study instructions and to return to the clinic for the required visits
* Women of child-bearing potential\* are required to use birth control measures during the whole duration of the study
* If applicable, subjects must be maintained on their pre-study psychotherapeutic regimen and any prescribed chronic medications at a stable therapeutic dose for ≥4 weeks prior to enrollment, with no dose or usage frequency changes permitted during the study
* Women of childbearing potential are defined as any female who has experienced menarche and who is NOT permanently sterile or postmenopausal. Postmenopausal is defined as 12 consecutive months with no menses without an alternative medical cause.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Metallic objects in or near the head rTMS devices are contraindicated for use in patients who have conductive, ferromagnetic or other magnetic-sensitive metals implanted in their head or within 12 in (30 cm) of the treatment coil.\*
* Implanted stimulator devices
* Active or inactive implants (including device leads), including deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, ocular implants and vagus nerve stimulators. Contraindicated use could result in serious injury or death.
* Drug pumps
* Application in the heart area
* Persons with a tendency to seizure (e.g., persons suffering from hypotonia and epilepsy)
* Anticoagulation therapy
* Severe or life-threatening condition
* Pulmonary insufficiency
* Heart disorders
* Renal insufficiency
* Decompensated\*\* hemorrhagic conditions
* Decompensated\*\* blood coagulation disorders
* Decompensated\*\* cardiovascular diseases
* Malignant tumor or benign tumor
* Fever
* Pregnancy
* Active suicidal intent\*\*\*
* History of suicide attempts in the last 3 years
* History or concurrent use of electroconvulsive therapy or vagus nerve stimulation
* Substance-induced depression or depression secondary to a general medical condition
* Seasonal affective disorder
* Substance abuse
* Substance dependence 3 months prior
* A psychotic disorder including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disease, borderline personality disorder or major depression with psychotic features
* Neurological disorders, including a history of seizures, cerebrovascular disease, primary or secondary tumors in CNS, cerebral aneurysm, dementia, or movement disorders
* Ongoing intake disorders such as bulimia or anorexia, or intake disorder in the past fiscal year
* History of increased intracranial pressure or head trauma
* Nursing
* Any other disease or condition at the investigator's discretion that may pose risk to the patient or compromise the study
* Examples include cochlear implants, implanted electrodes/stimulators, aneurysm clips or coils, stents, bullet fragments, jewelry and hair barrettes. Failure to follow this restriction could result in serious injury or death. Certain exceptions apply to mouth implants, such as standard amalgam dental fillings, single post dental implants, dental bridge work, and braces. If these items are present, the therapy can still be administered.
* By means of decompensation, it means a patient with a proven medical history of a decompensated health condition and long-term medication. Patients who use certain medications only for preventive purposes, without any proven previous health condition failure, are not considered contraindicated.
* Defined by a score of Level 4 or Level 5 on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS).
Where it's running
-
Aria Integrative Health
Denver, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
The Study by AC
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Cady Wellness Institute
Newburgh, Indiana, United States Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.