Non-invasive Auricular Simulation for Exam Anxiety and Depression in University Students

Launched by FUNDACIÓ TECNOCAMPUS MATARÓ-MARESME · May 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a non-invasive treatment called auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (ATVNS) can help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in first-year university students, especially during the stressful time of final exams. The researchers want to see if this method, which stimulates a specific nerve in the ear, can improve students' mental well-being and help them perform better academically without using medication or traditional therapy.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old, enrolled in the Double Degree program for Physiotherapy and Sports Science at TecnoCampus, and able to understand either Catalan or Spanish. You should also be planning to take your first call exams in the second term. However, if you are currently receiving medication for anxiety or other mental health issues, undergoing psychological treatment, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you won't be able to join this trial. Participants will be given the ATVNS treatment and monitored to see how it affects their anxiety and stress levels during exam time.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • At least 18 years old
• • Tecnocampus undergraduate students from Physical Therapy and Sports Science Double Degree of 1rst course.
• • To sign the informed consent
• • Understand Catalan or Spanish language
• • With the intention to attend to the first call exams of the 2nd trimester.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Receiving pharmacological medication for anxiety or mental disorders
• • Receiving psychological treatment
• • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• • Participants with part-time enrolment
• • With skin lesions in both auricula,
• • Participating in another study