Sound waves to soothe anxiety? new trial tests ultrasound on the brain
NCT ID NCT04557891
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new, non-invasive treatment for people with generalized anxiety disorder who haven't gotten better with standard medications. The treatment uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to gently stimulate a deep brain area linked to anxiety, called the amygdala. 48 adults will receive either the real treatment or a sham (fake) version to see if it safely reduces anxiety symptoms.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 48 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2021
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female 2. Age 18-65 3. Normal or corrected-to normal vision and hearing 4. Primary diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, moderate/severe per DSM-5. (HAM-A\>17) 4a) The duration of the illness must exceed one year. 5. Must be medically stable as determined by investigator 6. Patient must have attempted and failed treatment with at least 2 SSRI and 1 augmentation 7. History of rTMS is permitted, but not required. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of primary DSM-5 anxiety disorder other than GAD 1a) Affective disorders such as unipolar or bipolar depression are permitted as long as GAD is primary 2. Current use of any non-prescribed psychoactive medications or drugs (aside from medications for treatment of GAD) 3. Contraindication to enter the MRI environment 4. Pregnancy (or suspected/possible pregnancy or plan to become pregnant in the short-term) 5. Inability to adhere to treatment schedule 6. Initiation of new anxiolytic treatment at the time of study randomization
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
3 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
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Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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University of California, Los Angeles
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90095, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a cannabis tincture quiet an anxious mind?
- Can a computer game rewire anxious Kids' brains?
- Can a new Under-the-Tongue drug offer lasting relief for Treatment-Resistant anxiety?
- Can tailored brain stimulation quiet anxiety that drugs Can't?
- Can a smartphone app calm anxiety and protect the heart?
- Can a new daily pill offer lasting relief for anxiety?