Sound Wave Therapy Targets Amygdala to Relieve Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD Symptoms: Study Shows
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New research from Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin introduces a groundbreaking treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, explores the use of low-intensity focused ultrasound technology to safely and effectively modulate deep brain activity. This approach targets the amygdala, the brain region known for its role in mood and anxiety disorders, without the need for surgery or invasive procedures.
In a double-blind study, 29 patients with various mood and anxiety disorders underwent MRI-guided focused ultrasound treatment on the left amygdala. After three weeks of daily treatments, participants showed significant improvements across a range of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. “This is the first time we’ve been able to directly modulate deep brain activity without invasive procedures or medications,” said Gregory Fonzo, Ph.D., the study's senior author.
The treatment, which was well tolerated with no serious adverse events, reduced amygdala activity both immediately and over the course of the treatment period. This offers new hope for patients who haven’t responded to traditional therapies. Researchers are optimistic about the safety and efficacy of this non-invasive approach and are planning larger clinical trials.
References: Barksdale, B. R., et al. (2025). Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound amygdala neuromodulation: a double-blind sham-controlled target engagement study and unblinded single-arm clinical trial. Molecular Psychiatry. doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-03033-w.
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