Brain scans reveal how anxiety and depression team up on threat

NCT ID NCT06004115

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study uses brain imaging and a single dose of the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam to understand how people with both depression and anxiety disorders process threats differently than those with depression alone. About 165 adults will complete two sessions involving startle tests and MRI scans. The goal is to uncover brain circuit differences that could guide better treatments for co-occurring anxiety and depression.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Lorazepam (a single 1 mg dose)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors better understand and treat co-occurring anxiety and depression by revealing how the brain responds to threat.

What could go wrong

This is an early mechanistic study, not a treatment trial. It uses a single dose of an existing drug to probe brain function, so it won't directly lead to new therapies. Results may not apply to all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder mixed anxiety and depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Laureate Institute for Brain Research

    RECRUITING

    Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact