Brain Stimulation for Negative Emotions

This trial investigates whether a non-invasive technique called transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) can reduce negative emotions. It also examines how care providers' expectations might influence the treatment's effectiveness. Participants will receive either active or inactive tTIS and hear either positive or negative messaging about the treatment's potential benefits. This study suits individuals without psychiatric diagnoses, seizure disorders, or severe migraines who are comfortable with the trial's tasks and procedures. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research in emotional regulation techniques.

Yes, you will need to stop taking any medications that affect the central nervous system or are used for neurological or psychiatric treatment to participate in this trial.

Research has shown that transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) is generally safe and well-tolerated in people. One study found that tTIS can be used at certain electricity levels without causing harm, allowing it to safely reach deep brain areas through electrical currents applied to the scalp.

Another study confirmed that tTIS is safe for humans and can target specific brain areas, such as the hippocampus, without causing major side effects. Participants reported few, if any, negative reactions during these trials.

Researchers are excited about Transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation (tTIS) because it offers a fresh approach to addressing negative emotions by using non-invasive brain stimulation. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or psychotherapy, tTIS uses precise electrical signals to target specific brain regions without the need for surgery or systemic drug exposure. This method is believed to minimize side effects and enhance treatment precision, potentially offering quicker and more effective relief from negative emotional states.

Research has shown that transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS), which participants in this trial will receive, can reach deep brain areas without surgery. One study found that tTIS might help reduce depression symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. Another study suggested that tTIS could improve mental health by lowering negative emotions. These results are encouraging, but more research is needed to understand how effectively tTIS reduces negative feelings across different groups.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹