Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Holographic Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Anxiety

Official title: VITAL - Virginia Tech Accelerated Holographic LIFU for Anxiety

Run by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · NCT07404878 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether applying repeated, personalized holographic low-intensity focused ultrasound can help reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with generalized anxiety disorder.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roanoke, Virginia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 9, 2026
Main results expectedMay 2028
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedOctober 29, 2026
Trial IDNCT07404878 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults with generalized anxiety disorder or significant anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 >= 10, OASIS >= 8, or PSWQ >= 45) who can undergo MRI and comply with study visits.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with claustrophobia, MRI/CT contraindications, active CNS disorders, history of neurological disease or head injury, or active substance dependence may not benefit or participate.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial uses a cross-over design to compare real versus sham LIFU sessions, with multiple weeks of follow-up that include MRI scans and anxiety assessments. A custom hologram-based approach lenses the ultrasound waveform to target brain regions. Pre- and post-stimulation anxiety measurements are collected using the NPU task and standard questionnaires at each visit. The study aims to determine if repeated, patient-specific LIFU treatment can produce measurable improvements in anxiety-related outcomes compared with sham stimulation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced anxiety symptoms and better overall function after repeated LIFU treatments.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work with focused ultrasound and brain stimulation approaches has shown potential in mood and anxiety-related outcomes, but this holographic LIFU approach is novel in this context.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms; defined by a GAD-7 score \>= 10, OASIS score \>= 8, or a PSWQ score \>= 45.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Claustrophobia
* Contraindications to MRI (certain implants or metal in the body)
* Contraindications to CT (pregnancy)
* Active medical disorder with CNS effects (e.g. Alzheimer's)
* History of neurological disorder
* History of head injury
* Active alcohol or drug dependence

Where it's running

  • Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
    Roanoke, Virginia, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.