Temporal Interference Neuromodulation for Anxiety and PTSD

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

This study tests a neuromodulation approach called temporal interference (TI) in healthy individuals and those with anxiety- and stress-related symptoms. Researchers apply scalp-mounted electrodes to deliver high-frequency electrical fields designed to modulate targeted brain regions involved in mood and cognition, while using MRI and EEG to measure brain responses. They also track mood, heart rate, skin conductance, respiration, and performance on cognitive tasks, with an optional daily-life mood assessment via EMA. The trial includes adults 18–65 and excludes those with MRI contraindications or significant illicit drug use, aiming to clarify neural, behavioral, and clinical effects of TI. The study will be conducted at Emory University in Atlanta, with a lead sponsor and no listed collaborators.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Written informed consent.
* Fluent English speaker.
* Both sexes and all ethnic origins, between 18 and 65 years old.
* Absence of current moderate to severe illicit drug use as assessed by subject history (AUDIT\>=8 and/or DAST\>2).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or currently breast-feeding women or any woman of childbearing potential who is seeking to become pregnant or suspects that she may be pregnant, as assessed by subject report and/or urine pregnancy screen.
* Contraindications to MRI scanning (including presence of a cardiac pacemaker or pacemaker wires, metallic particles in the body, vascular clips in the head or previous neurosurgery, prosthetic heart valves, claustrophobia, as assessed with the standard MRI screening form from the CABI, FERN or CSI.
* Unable to fit comfortably in the scanner.
* Contraindication to TI and/or TMS (including history of epilepsy, metallic implants in the head and/or neck, brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, VP shunt, pacemakers)
* Current use of medications that may increase the risk of seizures (e.g., bupropion, varenicline, chlorpromazine, theophylline).
* History or current serious or unstable medical illness, including cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, respiratory, endocrine, neurologic or hematologic disease, as assessed by subject history.
* History of head injury resulting in more than brief loss of consciousness, as assessed by subject history.
* Current cocaine or stimulant use (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine), as assessed by subject history.
* Evidence of significant inconsistencies in self-report measures.
* Non-English speakers will be excluded from this study because the research procedures rely heavily on the administration of validated self-report questionnaires, clinical interviews, and task instructions that at this time, are only available in English. Additionally, study staff are trained to administer these assessments and obtain informed consent in English only. Including non-English speakers would therefore pose a risk of misunderstanding study procedures, consent materials, or questionnaire items, which could affect both participant comprehension and data integrity.

Where it's running

• Emory University
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Negar Fani, PhD, ABPP — Emory University
• Study coordinator: Rachel Jones
• Email: gtpaffectneurolab@emory.edu
• Phone: 404-712-0354

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Bilateral cervical sympathetic blocks with optional integrative therapy for Special Operations veterans with PTSD and trauma-related symptoms

  This project will try bilateral cervical sympathetic blocks (BCSB), with or without added structured integrative therapy, to see if they reduce PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related symptoms in Special Operations veterans.

  Recruiting Reset Medical and Wellness Center · Strongsville, Ohio · NCT07473505

• Behavioral health collaborative care for family members of ICU survivors in the Post-ICU clinic pilot

  This pilot tests a telehealth-based behavioral health program using the NeuroFlow app for family members of ICU survivors to try to reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

  Recruiting Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, South Carolina · NCT07390786

• Behavioral health collaborative care for people recovering after ICU

  This trial will test whether a coordinated behavioral health program using a digital app, coaching, and psychiatric support helps ICU survivors reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

  Recruiting Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, South Carolina · NCT07372586

• Single-session intervention to change ambiguity aversion

  This trial tests whether one brief intervention can change how adults with intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety make ambiguous decisions and how their brains respond.

  Recruiting Northwestern University · Chicago, Illinois · NCT06962527

• Psilocybin treatment for individuals with various psychiatric symptoms

  This study is testing if a single dose of psilocybin can help people with different mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD feel better and improve their daily functioning.

  Recruiting Phase 1 Yale University · New Haven, Connecticut · NCT06442423

• Evaluating the H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Intensives Program for Veterans

  This study is testing if the H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Intensives Program can help veterans with anxiety, PTSD, and depression feel better over time.

  Recruiting VA Salt Lake City Health Care System · Salt Lake City, Utah · NCT06300255

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.