Neurofeedback Enhanced Cognitive Reappraisal Training - Phase 4

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · Aug 19, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a special brain training technique, called neurofeedback, can help young adults with anxiety disorders better manage their emotions. Neurofeedback uses advanced imaging technology to show participants real-time information about their brain activity, allowing them to learn how to control it. The researchers want to find out if this training can improve the brain's ability to handle emotions and if it can lead to better outcomes in therapy for people dealing with anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.

To participate in this study, individuals need to be between the ages of 18 and 45 and have a primary diagnosis of one of the anxiety disorders mentioned. They should not be currently taking certain medications that affect mood, and they should be able to comfortably handle being in a small, enclosed space. Participants will undergo brain scans while learning to control their brain activity, and they'll receive support throughout the process. It’s important to know that those with certain mental health conditions or recent substance abuse issues are not eligible for this study. This research aims to enhance our understanding of how the brain works in relation to emotions and could lead to new ways to help people struggling with anxiety.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Primary diagnosis (primary source of distress and/or interference) of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder or illness anxiety disorder based on structured interview. Comorbid phobic disorders allowed, but these cannot be the primary source of interference or distress due to the lowered chances of encountering anxiety-provoking stimuli during the study period
• • Score of 2 or more on at least 1 question from GAD/CROSS-AD composite
• • Medically and physically able to consent
• * Not regularly taking any medication, prescription or non-prescription, with psychotropic effects other than:
• • 1. Buspirone, or antidepressant (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)) with stable dosage for past 4 weeks
• • 2. The same oral hormonal contraceptive for at least 3 months
• • For females, not currently pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant
• • Ability to tolerate small, enclosed spaces without anxiety
• • No metals, implants or metallic substances within or on the body that might cause adverse effects to the subject in a strong magnetic field, or interfere with image acquisition (per protocol)
• • Size compatible with scanner gantry (per protocol)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder
• • Current substance abuse or dependence (past 6 months)
• • Active suicidality with plan or intent
• • Current psychosis
• • History of serious neurological illness or current medical condition that could compromise brain function, such as liver failure
• • History of closed head injury, e.g., loss of consciousness greater (\>) approximately (\~) 5 minutes, hospitalization, neurological sequela