Ventral striatum temporal interference brain stimulation enhances the reward positivity event-related potential and reduces anxiety.
Jonathan S Ryan, Timothy J Mcdermott, Boris Botzanowski, Jessica R Kubert, Samantha A Betters, Aje Oluwagbohunmi, Summer B Frandsen, Travis M Fulton, Adam Williamson, Michael T. Treadway, Negar Fani
Research Square February 9, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8767480/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Within-subjects crossover trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 19 |
| Population | Healthy adults aged 18-36 |
| Intervention | Breath-focused mindfulness meditation |
| Duration | Two stimulation sessions |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Deep brain stimulation Electroencephalography Reward Striatum Temporal interference |
| Key findings | Active 8 Hz TI stimulation during meditation increased the reward positivity potential and reduced negative emotionality compared to sham. |
Abstract
Temporal interference (TI) electrical stimulation is a novel neuromodulation method that can target deep brain structures to enhance the impact of behavioral techniques. We tested the feasibility of TI in targeting the ventral striatum (VS) in concert with an emotion regulation practice (breath-focused mindfulness meditation). As an assay of target engagement, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to measure amplitude of the reward positivity potential (RewP), an event-related potential ERP associated with VS function. Nineteen healthy adults (age range: 18-36 years) received an MRI scan and two stimulation sessions during meditation: one active 8 Hz TI stimulation and one 0 Hz sham TI. Before and after meditation, they completed a reward task during EEG recording. A significant time by stimulation type effect was observed with the RewP win-loss difference (p<.001; η p 2 = .61), but not an unrelated ERP, the Cue-N200 (p=.93). Active TI, but not sham, led to a RewP increase to win trials from pre- to post-stimulation, with evidence of a sustained RewP win amplitude increase at visit 2 in participants who received active TI at visit 1 (p < .001). Decreased negative emotionality was observed for active TI; emotion changes corresponded with increased RewP amplitude to win trials for only active TI. Findings show support for TI targeting of VS in conjunction with meditation to elicit self-reported and neural change in emotion-regulation and reward processing. Although replication is warranted, our data indicate the precision and short-term continued effects of TI on the VS and reward-related functioning.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Find your rhythm and regulate: Breath-synced vibration feedback during breath-focused mindfulness reduces respiration variability in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of Anxiety Disorders June 1, 2025
- Neuromodulation and meditation: A review and synthesis toward promoting well-being and understanding consciousness and brain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews August 1, 2024
- Stimulated brains and meditative minds: A systematic review on combining low intensity transcranial electrical stimulation and meditation in humans. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP February 3, 2023
- Frontal theta activity and white matter plasticity following mindfulness meditation Current Opinion in Psychology April 18, 2019
- Being present and enjoying it: Dispositional mindfulness and savoring the moment are distinct, interactive predictors of positive emotions and psychological health. Mindfulness March 29, 2017
and 2 more in the library