Using music and auditory beat stimulation to reduce anxiety

Music and Auditory Beat Stimulation and Its Effect on Anxiety

Not applicable Interventional Toronto Metropolitan University · NCT05442086

This study is testing if combining calming music with special sound beats can help young adults with anxiety feel less anxious compared to just listening to white noise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorToronto Metropolitan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05442086 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of combining calm music with theta auditory beat stimulation (ABS) as a treatment for anxiety in young adults. Participants aged 18-30 with generalized anxiety will be randomly assigned to receive either the combined treatment or a control condition of pink noise. The study will measure various psychophysiological indicators, including heart rate variability, EEG, and salivary cortisol, alongside subjective anxiety assessments. The goal is to determine if the combination of music and ABS leads to greater reductions in anxiety compared to the control.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are undergraduate students aged 18-30 with a GAD-2 score of 1 or higher indicating generalized anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular conditions or seizures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive and accessible method for reducing anxiety in young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that both music and auditory beat stimulation can reduce anxiety, suggesting potential success for this combined approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* GAD-2 score of 1 or higher indicating generalized anxiety.
* Age between 18-30 years
* Undergraduate student
* Comfortable speaking and understanding English
* Self-reported normal hearing

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported history of cardiovascular conditions (e.g., arrhythmia, heart disease)
* History of seizures or epilepsy

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anxiety State
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.