Modulating Fear and Anxiety with Ultrasound
Author Information
Author(s): van den Heuvel Odile A.
Primary Institution: Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Hypothesis
Can low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) effectively modulate anxiety by targeting the amygdala?
Conclusion
Low-intensity TFUS of the right amygdala increased self-reported arousal in response to negative images without increasing overall state anxiety.
Supporting Evidence
- Low-intensity TFUS selectively increased perfusion in the targeted brain region.
- Previous studies have shown that TFUS can modulate emotional processing in humans.
Takeaway
Researchers used sound waves to try to change how people feel fear and anxiety, but instead of making them feel less anxious, it made them feel more excited when they saw scary pictures.
Methodology
A within-participant crossover proof-of-concept study applying low-intensity TFUS to the right amygdala and left entorhinal cortex in healthy participants.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the small sample size and the specific demographic of participants.
Limitations
The study involved a relatively small and old adult sample, and the effects of multiple sessions of TFUS remain unclear.
Participant Demographics
Healthy older adults.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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