Brain Imaging Research Study
Researchers at UMass Chan School of Medicine are studying how brain activity is affected by mild electrical stimulation and whether this can help reduce sensitivity to perceived threats.

Fast Facts

Experience Little to No Anxiety

18-30 Years Old

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Worcester, MA
Study Background
Researchers at UMass Chan School of Medicine are investigating how mild brain stimulation affects threat perception in individuals with varying levels of anxiety to better understand anxiety-related brain activity.
People with high anxiety often perceive neutral expressions as threatening, which may be linked to changes in brain activity within a network of regions responsible for detecting threats. This study, called the NeurOmodulation and MRI in Anxiety Disorders (NOMAD) study, aims to explore whether a gentle, non-invasive technique called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can temporarily change brain activity and influence threat perception.
Participants will undergo MRI scans while receiving mild scalp stimulation and complete simple visual tasks. The study involves multiple in-person visits to UMass Chan School of Medicine in Worcester, MA. Researchers hope this work will improve understanding of anxiety and contribute to future treatment options.

Study Background
Researchers at UMass Chan School of Medicine are investigating how mild brain stimulation affects threat perception in individuals with varying levels of anxiety to better understand anxiety-related brain activity.

People with anxiety can perceive neutral expressions as threatening, which may be linked to changes in brain activity in regions responsible for detecting threats. This study, called the NeurOmodulation and MRI in Anxiety Disorders (NOMAD) study, aims to explore whether a gentle, non-invasive technique called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can temporarily alter brain activity and affect how threats are perceived.
Participants will undergo MRI scans while receiving mild scalp stimulation and complete simple visual tasks. The study involves multiple in-person visits to UMass Chan School of Medicine in Worcester, MA. Researchers hope this work will lead to a better understanding of anxiety and contribute to future treatment options.
Additional Information
This study aims to understand how brain activity contributes to anxiety and whether mild brain stimulation can reduce sensitivity to perceived threats. Researchers hope these findings will improve understanding of anxiety and inform future treatments.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-30 years old
- Experience little to no anxiety
- Able to complete MRI (no metal in body, no claustrophobia)
- Right-handed
Exclusion Criteria:
-
History of mania, psychosis, other major neurological illnesses, or loss of consciousness
If you join this study, you will visit the UMass Chan School of Medicine in Worcester, MA, approximately three times. First, you will complete a brief phone screening to determine eligibility. If eligible, you will attend an in-person screening visit (1-3 hours) where you will complete assessments and questionnaires.
You will then participate in two MRI sessions, spaced about a week apart. During these sessions, you will receive mild, non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) while in the MRI scanner and complete a simple visual task. Each scan session will last about 1-1.5 hours, with up to 1 hour in the scanner.
Participants will be compensated $15 for the screening visit, $50 for the first MRI, and $75 for the second MRI, for a total possible payment of $140.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.