This study evaluates the effects of peripheral nerve stimulation on anxiety levels in participants with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This is a pilot investigation in which participants will randomized (1:1) to the active or sham treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic, recurring condition that affects approximately 6.4 million American adults each year. GAD is one of the most common anxiety disorders and is costly to treat. First-line treatments for GAD include medication (e.g. SSRIs, SNRIs), cognitive behavioral therapy, or both in combination. Peripheral nerve stimulation via acupuncture has been shown to directly decrease clinical anxiety scores. The investigators have developed the Empower Neuromodulation System, a non-invasive, portable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device intended to stimulate peripheral nerves for the treatment of anxiety. In this study, a randomized, controlled study will be conducted in participants with GAD. Participants will self-administer twice daily treatments with the Empower device. In this pilot study, the primary endpoints will be feasibility and acceptability, with safety and effectiveness evaluated as exploratory endpoints.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
18
Peripheral nerve stimulation with the Empower device. The active and sham treatments only differ by the location of application on the body.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Treatment Adherence
Feasibility as assessed via treatment adherence (treatment sessions administered as a percentage of total possible) for each participant
Time frame: 6 weeks
Usability
Acceptability as assessed via a usability assessment (System Usability Scale (SUS)). For the SUS, the score range is 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating the stimulation system's better usability. The survey includes 10 questions in which statements about the system are rated from "Strongly disagree" up to "Strongly agree".
Time frame: 6 weeks
Effective Nerve Stimulation
The percentage of treatment sessions that provide effective nerve stimulation as assessed via participant-reported confirmation of tingling sensation
Time frame: 6 weeks
Satisfaction With Treatment
The overall satisfaction with treatment (via 100-mm Visual-Analog Scale (VAS)). For the VAS, the score range is 0 to 100, with a higher scoring meaning higher satisfaction.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Number of Participants With Device-related Adverse Events
Safety assessment via device-related adverse events
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) Score From Baseline to 6weeks
Anxiety severity evaluation via clinician-administered Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) score. For the HAM-A, the score range is 0 to 56, with a higher scoring meaning more severe anxiety.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Participant-reported Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) Score From Baseline to 6 Weeks
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Anxiety severity evaluation via participant-reported Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score from Baseline to 6 weeks. For the BAI, the score range is 0 to 63, with a higher scoring meaning more severe anxiety.
Time frame: 6 weeks