Investigating How the Brain Processes Different Experiences

Advancing Our Understanding and Treatment of Anxiety Through Bringing Together Facets of Conscious Experience and Brain Mechanisms: Open/Closed Meets the Default Mode Network

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the efficacy of an app-based program in reducing anxiety and exploring associated changes in brain activity.

The main question[s] it aims to answer are:

PRIMARY AIM: Confirm that the conscious experience of open/closed correlates with P/PCC activation/deactivation.

SECONDARY AIM: Determine if changes in P/PCC activity predict clinical outcomes (GAD-7 scores) in individuals with moderate to severe anxiety after using an app.

Participants may be asked to:

• Complete a Zoom interview
• Complete online surveys at baseline and 2 months post-treatment initiation
• Complete MRIs at baseline and 2 months post-treatment initiation
• Wear a smartwatch and answer daily questions about their anxiety
• Use an app daily

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 - 65 years
2. Able to travel to Brown University for research assessment
3. Able to speak English because all study activities will be conducted in English.
4. GAD-7 ≥ 10
5. Owns a smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

1. If using psychotropic medication - not on a stable dosage at least 6 weeks
2. As needed (i.e., prn) benzodiazepine use
3. Psychotic disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychosis)
4. MRI contraindications
5. Claustrophobia
6. Recreational drug use past 2 weeks
7. Alcohol abuse
8. Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
9. Cohabiting with a study participant
10. Weight ≥ 300 lbs (due to inability to fit in scanner)