Efficacy and Mechanism of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The study is designed to explore how effective a treatment combining medication and a technique called transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is for people with generalized anxiety disorder. This disorder causes excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. The research aims to see not only if this combination helps reduce anxiety symptoms but also to understand how tVNS works in this context. By better understanding these mechanisms, the study hopes to improve treatment options for those struggling with anxiety, offering them more effective ways to manage their condition. Participants in the study are randomly divided into two groups. One group receives the actual tVNS treatment along with their medication, while the other group receives a sham or fake version of the stimulation, also with medication. This approach helps researchers determine the true effectiveness of the real treatment compared to a placebo effect. Over a period of four weeks, participants undergo assessments to measure changes in their anxiety symptoms. Brain function and other laboratory tests are conducted before starting the treatment and after completing it, providing insights into the biological impact of the treatment. The process is carefully monitored to ensure safety and accuracy.