A Neuro-Technological Intervention for Adolescents With GAD

This study is a single-arm open-label test of feasibility. The recruitment target is 30. Outpatient adolescents diagnosed with GAD will be recruited to undergo 8 x 30 minutes intervention sessions over 4 weeks. Participants who are enrolled will continue to receive treatment-as-usual prescribed by their treating psychiatrist, except for the use of psychotropics. This population is selected as they could elucidate whether our intervention can be beneficial as an early intervention program for GAD.

During the 8 bi-weekly intervention sessions, participants will don a head-mounted VR display set and a mobile EEG-biosensor. The hardwares are non-invasive.

Inclusion criteria

• Between 13 to 18 years of age inclusive
• Literate in English Language
• Newly diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder: current episode, based on Computerised Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (C-DISC)
• If on medication, dosage stable or unchanged for at least preceding 8 weeks
• Has parental consent

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis (as defined by DSM-5) of: anxiety disorder induced by medication, substance, or another medical condition; obsessive compulsive disorder; bipolar disorder; any psychotic disorder (lifetime); intellectual disability (i.e. IQ<70); autism spectrum disorder; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• History of substance or drug use disorder (as per DSM-5 criteria) within the last 3 months
• Neurological disorders or insults (e.g. epilepsy, cerebrovascular accidents)
• Metal in the cranium, skull defects, or skin lesions on scalp (e.g. cuts, abrasion, rash) at proposed electrode sites
• Irregular heart rhythms or heart problems
• Severe visual or hearing impairment
• Prior experience with mindfulness-based therapy (e.g. mindfulness-based stress reduction [MBSR], mindfulness-based cognitive therapy [MBCT])