Using near-infrared brain light to help sub-clinical anxiety with attention bias work
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Photobiomodulation and Attention Bias Modification on Anxiety Symptoms and Brain Hemodynamics
Run by University of Texas at Austin · NCT07133893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether transcranial photobiomodulation with near-infrared light can help people with sub-clinical anxiety when paired with attention bias tasks, with or without a cognitive-behavioral component.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 280 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07133893 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18+ with STAI scores 40–59 and PHQ-9 scores 1–9, not currently on tPBM or with pregnancy, and without recent medication changes.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals outside the 40–59 STAI or 1–9 PHQ-9 ranges, or those with recent medication changes, current tPBM treatment, or pregnancy, may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research uses a single-blind, sham-controlled design to test transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) in adults with moderate sub-clinical anxiety. Participants complete attention bias assessment and modification while wearing an fNIRS headset to monitor brain activity, before and after tPBM or sham treatment. The study includes three in-person visits and a follow-up online, and uses block randomization to reduce bias. One aim is to evaluate tPBM as a standalone intervention, and the other as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral components of ABM. Outcomes are linked to changes in anxiety symptoms and brain activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, tPBM could offer a non-invasive way to reduce anxiety symptoms and enhance attention-bias interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests brain stimulation with light can influence cognition and emotion, but this specific combination with ABA/ABM and fNIRS in sub-clinical anxiety is exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age and older * State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) questionnaire score between 40-59 (indicates moderate sub-clinical anxiety) * Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score between 1-9 (indicates minimal to mild sub-clinical depression) Exclusion Criteria: * STAI score less than 40 or greater than 59 * PHQ-9 score greater than 9 * Medication instability (i.e., medication change within 6 weeks) * Indicated suicidal ideation * Currently receiving tPBM treatment * Current pregnancy
Where it's running
-
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, Ph.D.
- Email: utanxietystudy1@gmail.com
- Phone: 512-537-5257
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.