Brain stimulation trial aims to rewire fear responses in anxiety

NCT ID NCT07405463

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Jingchu Hu Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve the brain's ability to update fear and safety associations in people with anxiety disorders. 140 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active stimulation targeting specific brain regions or a sham (placebo) stimulation. The main goal is to see if tDCS boosts cognitive flexibility during a fear reversal task.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug brain stimulation technique to help people with anxiety disorders better unlearn fears.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only a single session of stimulation. It may not produce lasting or clinically meaningful changes, and results may not apply to all anxiety disorders.

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 pathological gambling

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shenzhen Kangning Hospital

Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

More trials for these conditions

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