August 26, 2025

Ep36: Healing Invisible Wounds: Focused Ultrasound for Veterans with Depression and Anxiety

18 minutes

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we explore how focused ultrasound is being studied as a treatment for depression and anxiety, told through the perspectives of both a leading researcher and a veteran who experienced it firsthand.

Noah Philip, MD, is a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University's Alpert Medical School and a leading expert on focused ultrasound neuromodulation for psychiatric conditions. He discusses his research using low-intensity focused ultrasound to modulate the amygdala for the treatment of depression and anxiety in veterans.

Joining him is Nick Marinelli, an Iraq War veteran and Black Hawk mechanic who participated in Dr. Philip’s revolutionary clinical trial after struggling with depression and anxiety for over a decade following his deployment. Nick shares his experience receiving focused ultrasound treatments and the immediate improvements he noticed in his daily mood and his ability to be present with his family, particularly during meaningful moments like his daughter's kindergarten graduation.

Discussion highlights:

Revolutionary Mental Health Technology: Discover how focused ultrasound neuromodulation offers millimeter-scale precision to target deep brain structures like the amygdala. This noninvasive alternative to traditional psychiatric treatments has the potential to transform mental healthcare for treatment-resistant conditions.

From Research to Real-World Impact: Hear about Dr. Philip's advocacy efforts, including his 2024 congressional briefing to expand access to focused ultrasound treatments, and the upcoming four-year VA-funded trial aimed at optimizing dosing strategies for clinical implementation across underserved communities.

All patient stories featured on the Curing with Sound podcast are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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