Panic Disorder > Floatation-REST

Floatation-REST for Anxiety and Depression

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen By Sahib Khalsa, MD, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc.

No Placebo Group

Approved in 3 jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This early-stage trial aims to examine the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) or an active comparison condition in 75 participants with clinical anxiety and depression.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with anxiety or depression who haven't tried Floatation-REST before, or it's been at least a year since their last session. Participants should be on stable treatment if they're taking medication or in therapy and must avoid benzodiazepines and opioids 24 hours before floating. It's not for those with moderate to severe substance use (except tobacco/caffeine), pregnant women, certain mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, active suicidality, neurological issues that could affect the study, skin conditions painful in saltwater, or discomfort with water.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been on stable mental health treatment for 8+ weeks and can avoid benzodiazepines or opioids for 24 hours before a session.

You are experiencing severe anxiety.

You are currently getting treatment for anxiety or depression and are willing to fully participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a condition like epilepsy that might affect the study.

I have skin conditions or open wounds that saltwater could irritate.

You are currently feeling very suicidal and have a plan or intention to harm yourself.

Participant Groups

The trial tests Floatation-REST using a float chair or pool against an active comparison condition to see how well it works for people with clinical anxiety and depression. The goal is to assess its feasibility as a treatment option by enrolling 75 participants who will experience reduced environmental stimulation therapy.

Group I: Float Pool Preferred Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Floating supine in a pool for a preferred amount of time (6 total sessions, up to 2 hours/session, as frequently as they prefer within a 12-week period with a minimum of 24 hours between sessions)

Group II: Float Pool Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Floating supine in a pool for a prescribed amount of time (6 total sessions, 1 hour/session, 1 session/week)

Group III: Float Chair Active Control 1 Intervention

Floating supine in a zero-gravity chair for a prescribed amount of time (6 total sessions, 1 hour/session, 1 session/week)

Floatation-REST is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:

🇺🇸 Approved in United States as Floatation-REST for:

• Anxiety disorders
• Pain management
• Stress relief

🇨🇦 Approved in Canada as Floatation Therapy for:

• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

🇪🇺 Approved in European Union as Sensory Deprivation Therapy for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Laureate Institute for Brain Research Tulsa, OK

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc. Lead Sponsor

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Collaborator

References