Brain zaps for anxiety? small study tests new target

NCT ID NCT06475040

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Shanghai Mental Health Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested a new type of brain stimulation, called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS), for people with anxiety disorders or PTSD. Fifteen participants received the non-invasive treatment targeting a novel brain area. The study measured changes in anxiety symptoms using standard questionnaires.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It is early-stage research, and the treatment may not prove effective in larger trials.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder generalized anxiety disorder panic disorder post-traumatic stress disorder social phobia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY DISORDERS ANXIETY SYMPTOMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shanghai Mental Health Center

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200030, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.