Can a headset calm anxious teens without pills?
NCT ID NCT06956105
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether a headset that delivers tiny electrical pulses to nerves behind the ear can reduce anxiety in teens aged 12-17 with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Sixty participants will use either the active device or a sham (fake) device for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, over 4 weeks. The main goal is to see if anxiety scores drop more with the real device.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- electrical vestibular nerve stimulation (VeNS) via a headset device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug, non-invasive option to help teens manage anxiety symptoms at home.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 participants. The effect may be small or no better than a placebo, and long-term benefits are unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
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
-
60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2025
- Finished
-
Jun 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
12 to 17 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Signed Informed Consent 2. Signed Assent Form 3. Male or female, age ≥ 12 years and ≤ 17 years at the time of signing informed consent 4. GAD-7 score of \>/=10 at screening 5. Can speak and read English 6. Ability and willingness to travel to the clinic to complete all study visits, stimulation sessions and procedures 7. Ability and willingness to adhere to 30 minutes usage of the device 5 days per week for the duration of the trial at clinic 8. Agree not to undergo any extreme lifestyle changes during the duration of the study that could impact anxiety e.g. dietary or exercise changes Exclusion Criteria: 1. GAD-7 score of \< 10 at screening 2. Medication for anxiety 3. Starting a new antidepressant during the study, or on an unstable dose of antidepressants within 3 months of starting study 4. Risk of persistent self-harm or suicide 5. Diagnosis or history of bipolar disorder 6. History of a current psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia or other non-mood disorder psychosis 7. Diagnosis of substance use disorder or dependence 8. Use of recreational drugs (e.g nalgesics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens). Subject can enrol after a washout period of 30 days 9. History of diagnosed cognitive impairment / disorder such as delirium or dementia 10. Previous diagnosis of a chronic viral infection, for example hepatitis or HIV. 11. History of stroke or head injury requiring intensive care or neurosurgery 12. Presence of permanently implanted battery-powered medical device or stimulator (e.g., pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, deep brain stimulator, vagal nerve stimulator, etc.) 13. History of epilepsy 14. History of severe tinnitus or vertigo 15. History of skin breakdown, eczema or other dermatological condition (e.g. psoriasis) affecting the skin behind the ears. 16. History or presence of malignancy within the last year (except basal and squamous cell skin cancer and in-situ carcinomas) 17. History of vestibular dysfunction or another inner ear disease 18. Regular use (more than twice a month) of antihistamine medication within the last 6 months 19. Diagnosis of active migraines 20. Previous use of Modius device or any VeNS device 21. Participation in other clinical trials sponsored by Neurovalens 22. Any other medical condition, or medication use, that in the opinion of the PI is likely to make the subject refractory to VeNS. 23. Failure to use device daily during trial participation (no more than 7 consecutive days usage drop without reasonable explanation)
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for General anxiety disorder are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
BGS MCH Hospital
Bangalore, India
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a smartphone app beat anxiety? new trial combines digital therapy with drugs
- Mind over medicine: can your emotions boost cancer therapy?
- Can a herbal supplement calm anxiety? new study puts motherwort to the test
- Menopause may change how antidepressants work in women
- New anxiety drug shows promise in early trial