Neurofeedback-enhanced cognitive reappraisal training for young adults with anxiety

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

The study enrolls young adults with a primary diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or illness anxiety disorder and uses real-time functional MRI neurofeedback during cognitive reappraisal tasks. Participants receive either veritable (real) neurofeedback or sham neurofeedback while fMRI records prefrontal cortex activity. The team compares changes in PFC activation and cognitive reappraisal performance between the two groups and examines correlations between brain activation and reappraisal ability. Results will help determine whether neurofeedback can augment emotion regulation training and inform future psychotherapy-enhancement efforts.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary diagnosis (primary source of distress and/or interference) of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder or illness anxiety disorder based on structured interview. Comorbid phobic disorders allowed, but these cannot be the primary source of interference or distress due to the lowered chances of encountering anxiety-provoking stimuli during the study period
* Score of 2 or more on at least 1 question from GAD/CROSS-AD composite
* Medically and physically able to consent
* Not regularly taking any medication, prescription or non-prescription, with psychotropic effects other than:

  1. Buspirone, or antidepressant (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)) with stable dosage for past 4 weeks
  2. The same oral hormonal contraceptive for at least 3 months
* For females, not currently pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant
* Ability to tolerate small, enclosed spaces without anxiety
* No metals, implants or metallic substances within or on the body that might cause adverse effects to the subject in a strong magnetic field, or interfere with image acquisition (per protocol)
* Size compatible with scanner gantry (per protocol)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder
* Current substance abuse or dependence (past 6 months)
* Active suicidality with plan or intent
* Current psychosis
* History of serious neurological illness or current medical condition that could compromise brain function, such as liver failure
* History of closed head injury, e.g., loss of consciousness greater (\>) approximately (\~) 5 minutes, hospitalization, neurological sequela

Where it's running

• University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stefanie Russman Block, Ph.D — University of Michigan
• Study coordinator: Sophia Hovakimian
• Email: shovakim@med.umich.edu
• Phone: 734-232-0129

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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.