Objective: Preliminary studies show that low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a new type of non invasive brain stimulation, may be able to reach deep structures of the brain involved with depression and anxiety, that remain inaccessible using current forms of non-invasive brain stimulation with precision. In this study, the investigators will test if this technique can be used to change brain activity in areas that are connected to depression and anxiety symptoms. The primary objectives of this study are to test the safety and tolerability of LIFU, evaluate the feasibility of using LIFU to reduce brain activity, and evaluate the feasibility of simultaneous fMRI-LIFU. If the results of this study are positive, what the investigators learn will serve as a strong foundation for the future development of innovative treatments for a variety of psychiatric disorders. Research Procedures: 25 veterans will be recruited. Visits will take place at the VA Providence Healthcare System. During some visits, healthy and patient participants may undergo clinical and research neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, complete questionnaires, and participate in clinical/neurological assessments. Healthy veterans will not receive LIFU and will only attend 2 study visits. Patients are expected to attend up to 8 visits over 6 weeks. However, some may require up to 6 extended follow-ups after visits 5 or 8, in which case they would attend a total of 11 or 14 visits over 6 months. Two patient visits will include the LIFU application, following FDA safety guidelines. Patients will be assigned either to an experiment in which LIFU stimulation will be delivered immediately prior to a task or to an experiment in which stimulation will be delivered during the task. Within each experiment, patients will be assigned to first receive either LIFU stimulation to the study target or anatomical control. Study staff, but not participants will know which location is being targeted in case safety concerns arise. Safety assessments will be conducted at follow-up visits. A clinician will be available during LIFU administration /follow-up visits. Assuming no injury or other concerns are present, patients will then repeat this process again, receiving stimulation targeting other brain area not previously selected.
Age range
22 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Incidence of LIFU-related adverse events as assessed by clinical MRI
Timeframe: up to 6 months post LIFU
Incidence of LIFU-related adverse events as assessed by neurological examinations
Timeframe: up to 6 months post LIFU
Incidence of LIFU-related adverse events as assessed by neuropsychological testing
Timeframe: up to 6 months post LIFU
Perfusion Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) fMRI Signal throughout Brain
Timeframe: change from baseline to following sonication
BOLD fMRI Signal
Timeframe: change from baseline to following sonication
Resting state functional connectivity
Timeframe: change from baseline to following sonication