NCT07819773 · BTL Industries Ltd.
Device for Treating Generalized Anxiety
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if treatment with the BTL-699-2 device (non-invasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) can decrease anxiety symptoms in adults (aged 22 years and older) diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if treatment with the BTL-699-2 device (non-invasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) can decrease anxiety symptoms in adults (aged 22 years and older) diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the accelerated treatment protocol using the BTL-699-2 device reduce self-reported anxiety symptoms (as measured by the GAD-7 scale) 3 months after the final treatment? What are the safety and side effects associated with the use of the BTL-699-2 device during this accelerated protocol? Researchers will compare the active treatment group (Group A, receiving stimulation intensity of up to 70% of the individual's motor threshold) to a sham control group (Group B, receiving an inactive stimulation intensity of 5% of their motor threshold) to see if the active brain stimulation works to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Participants will: * Attend a screening/baseline visit to confirm GAD diagnosis (using the MINI diagnostic interview), review medical history, and establish their individual motor threshold. * Complete 8 study treatment visits scheduled twice weekly (2 to 4 days apart) over approximately 4 weeks. Each visit will consist of two consecutive 19-minute treatment sessions delivered at least 15 minutes apart (for a total of 16 treatments). * Complete self-reported and clinician-reported questionnaires assessing anxiety (GAD-7, HAM-A), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), well-being (WEMWBS), suicidal risk (CSSRS), clinical improvement (CGI-I, PGI-I), and treatment comfort/satisfaction (TCQ, SSQ) at designated baseline, treatment, and follow-up visits. * Undergo a urine pregnancy test at baseline and once weekly (every other treatment visit) if they are women of childbearing potential.
Interventions
DEVICE
EXOMIND (BTL-699-2) Active treatment
Participants will receive sixteen transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment sessions during 8 treatment visits (each treatment visit will include two treatment sessions) with the BTL-699-2 device over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The intensity will be adjusted according to the subject's feedback, up to 80% of the individual's motor threshold. The treatment visits will be spaced 2 - 4 days apart.
DEVICE
EXOMIND (BTL-699-2) Sham treatment
Participants will receive sixteen transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment sessions during 8 treatment visits (each treatment visit will include two treatment sessions) with the BTL-699-2 device over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The intensity will be set to 5% of the individual's motor threshold. The treatment visits will be spaced 2 - 4 days apart.
Primary outcome measures
Evaluation of the change in self-reported anxiety symptoms 3 months post-treatment.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Evaluation of the change in self-reported anxiety symptoms based on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7). The GAD-7 baseline score will be compared to the 3-month follow-up score. The 3-month score change will be compared between the active and sham groups. Subjects rate seven symptoms based on their frequency over the preceding two-week period. Each item is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), resulting in a total score range of 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety severity.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥ 22 years
- A diagnosis of GAD according to DSM-5 criteria, confirmed by a qualified clinician at screening
- Ability to determine the motor threshold of the participant. The participant's motor threshold could be established as the minimum stimulus required to induce contraction of the right thumb
- Subjects willing and able to abstain from partaking in any treatments other than the pre-procedure therapy regime for the treatment of anxiety, including non-invasive brain stimulation treatments other than the study procedure during study participation
- Willingness to comply with study instructions and to return to the clinic for the required visits
- Women of child-bearing potential\
- are required to use birth control measures during the whole duration of the study
- If applicable, subjects must be maintained on their pre-study psychotherapeutic regimen and any prescribed chronic medications at a stable therapeutic dose for ≥4 weeks prior to enrollment, with no dose or usage frequency changes permitted during the study
Exclusion criteria
- Metallic objects in or near the head rTMS devices are contraindicated for use in patients who have conductive, ferromagnetic or other magnetic-sensitive metals implanted in their head or within 12 in (30 cm) of the treatment coil.\
- Implanted stimulator devices
- Active or inactive implants (including device leads), including deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, ocular implants and vagus nerve stimulators. Contraindicated use could result in serious injury or death.
- Application in the heart area
- Persons with a tendency to seizure (e.g., persons suffering from hypotonia and epilepsy)
- Anticoagulation therapy
- Severe or life-threatening condition
- Pulmonary insufficiency
- Heart disorders
- Renal insufficiency
- Decompensated\*\
- hemorrhagic conditions
- Decompensated\*\
- blood coagulation disorders
- Decompensated\*\
- cardiovascular diseases
- Malignant tumor or benign tumor
- Active suicidal intent\*\*\
- History of suicide attempts in the last 3 years
- History or concurrent use of electroconvulsive therapy or vagus nerve stimulation
- Substance-induced depression or depression secondary to a general medical condition
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Substance abuse
- Substance dependence 3 months prior
- A psychotic disorder including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disease, borderline personality disorder or major depression with psychotic features
- Neurological disorders, including a history of seizures, cerebrovascular disease, primary or secondary tumors in CNS, cerebral aneurysm, dementia, or movement disorders
- Ongoing intake disorders such as bulimia or anorexia, or intake disorder in the past fiscal year
- History of increased intracranial pressure or head trauma
- Any other disease or condition at the investigator's discretion that may pose risk to the patient or compromise the study
- Examples include cochlear implants, implanted electrodes/stimulators, aneurysm clips or coils, stents, bullet fragments, jewelry and hair barrettes. Failure to follow this restriction could result in serious injury or death. Certain exceptions apply to mouth implants, such as standard amalgam dental fillings, single post dental implants, dental bridge work, and braces. If these items are present, the therapy can still be administered.
- By means of decompensation, it means a patient with a proven medical history of a decompensated health condition and long-term medication. Patients who use certain medications only for preventive purposes, without any proven previous health condition failure, are not considered contraindicated.
- Defined by a score of Level 4 or Level 5 on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS).
Where
- Denver, Colorado
- Chicago, Illinois
- Newburgh, Indiana
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations