Parasite and Infestation Experience: Understanding What People Feel and Think
Official title: Understanding the Experience of Patient-Physician Diagnostic Incongruency: I Know Something is Wrong But No One Believes Me
Run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT07849907 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This observational study tests how people who strongly believe they have parasites or infestation feel and think, even when doctors say otherwise.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 31, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2029 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | September 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07849907 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-70 who are at least 50% certain they have an infection/infestation despite medical reassurance.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without strong personal beliefs about active infestation or who do not experience distress related to this belief may not directly benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will conduct 1-2 hour remote sessions via Zoom to hear participants’ experiences, collect self-report questionnaires, and run a few computer-based cognitive tasks. The goal is to characterize the emotional and cognitive aspects of the experience to inform better provider guidance and support. Participation is remote and open to adults in English, with no active interventions being tested. The study is led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and aims to fill gaps in what is known beyond case reports and medical records.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could improve understanding and support for people experiencing this distressing symptom experience.
How similar studies have gone: There is limited aggregated data on this exact experience; existing information largely comes from case reports and reviews.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged 18-70 years old * At least 50% certain that they have an active infection/infestation/parasite, despite being told by doctor that they do not * Ability to read and speak English * Access to a computer or phone for virtual visit * No self-reported history of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder Exclusion Criteria: * Active substance use disorder (excluding nicotine and caffeine) * History of severe head trauma * Current use of antipsychotics * Serious medical or neurological illness known to interfere with cognitive functioning * Diagnosis of a learning disability or cognitive disorder
Where it's running
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julia Sheffield, PhD — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sheffield Lab
- Email: sheffieldlab.vumc@gmail.com
- Phone: (615) 686-2488
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.