Using a device to change how people cope with anxiety
Modeling and Modulating Mechanisms of Escape, Avoidance, and Approach in the Anxiety Disorder Spectrum
This study is testing if a device that uses magnetic pulses can help people with anxiety learn to cope better with their feelings.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT04824105 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can alter brain activity to improve coping mechanisms in individuals with anxiety disorders. Participants, aged 18 to 65, who are currently seeking treatment for anxiety will undergo three visits at the Medical University of South Carolina. The first visit includes interviews and tasks to assess anxiety while measuring brain activation, followed by two sessions of rTMS aimed at enhancing brain activity. After each rTMS session, participants will engage in tasks to evaluate their emotional responses.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder and are currently seeking mental health treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with severe substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, or certain neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel treatment option for individuals struggling with anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies using rTMS for anxiety have shown promising results, indicating potential effectiveness in this area.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 - 65 y.o. * Meets criteria for an anxiety disorder (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia), posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive- compulsive disorder, or current adjustment disorder with anxiety * Is currently seeking mental health treatment * Is able to read consent document and provide informed consent. * English is a first or primary fluent language. Exclusion Criteria: * Current alcohol or substance use disorder of more than mild severity (as defined by DSM-5 and determined using standardized self-report instruments) * Lifetime diagnosis of psychotic disorder or bipolar mania * Presence of neurological disorder that contraindicates TMS or neurophysiological recording: Seizure disorder Lifetime history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness Neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia) * Presence of other medical disorder that would make it too uncomfortable to sit or lie still for long recording periods * Presence of standard contraindications for MRI or rTMS Metal in the body Currently pregnant Claustrophobia Significant sensitivity to noise Medical conditions or treatments that lower seizure threshold History of severe brain injury History of seizures/ epilepsy * Currently taking anticholinergic mediation, neuroleptic medication, or sedative/ hypnotic medication Note: SSRI, cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists are allowed if patient has been on a stable regimen of four weeks prior to enrollment * Currently taking chronic opiate medications or substances * Currently taking naltrexone
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher T Sege, PhD
- Email: sege@musc.edu
- Phone: 8437928465
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.