Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Depression and Anxiety

(LIFU Trial)

This trial tests a new method called low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to determine if it can safely and effectively alter brain activity related to depression and anxiety. The goal is to reach deeper brain areas that current treatments cannot target well. Participants will receive LIFU either before or during a task to help researchers understand its impact. Veterans diagnosed with major depressive disorder, with or without anxiety symptoms, who have been stable on treatments for more than six weeks, might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatment options.

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that patients should be on stable treatments for more than 6 weeks, which suggests you may continue your current medications if they are stable.

Research has shown that low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is generally well-tolerated by patients. Studies have found that LIFU can safely reach deep brain areas associated with depression and anxiety without causing major side effects. A review of both human and animal studies found that LIFU has a good safety record with few reported negative effects. In earlier studies, patients who underwent LIFU experienced minimal discomfort, with most side effects being mild and temporary, such as slight scalp tingling or a brief headache. These findings suggest that LIFU is a safe option for exploring new treatments for mental health conditions.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) for depression and anxiety because it offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy. Unlike medications, which can take weeks to show effectiveness and might have side effects, LIFU uses sound waves to target specific brain regions, potentially offering quicker results with fewer side effects. This innovative approach could provide a new way to manage symptoms by directly modulating brain activity without the need for surgery or drugs.

Research has shown that low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) could help treat depression and anxiety. In some studies, patients experienced noticeable improvements in their emotional symptoms. This trial will compare two different applications of LIFU: one targeting a specific brain region and another targeting a control region. LIFU reaches parts of the brain that are difficult to target with other treatments. These brain areas often connect to feelings of depression and anxiety. Early findings suggest that LIFU can alter brain activity in a way that might relieve symptoms.¹³⁴⁶⁷