Reducing fear responses in phobia patients using brain activity techniques

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This application investigates a novel method of neuro-reinforcement that utilizes decoded fMRI activity to unconsciously reduce fear responses in individuals with specific phobias, such as fear of spiders or snakes. Unlike traditional exposure therapy, which requires conscious confrontation with feared stimuli, this method aims to minimize distress by bypassing conscious awareness. The study employs a double-blind placebo-controlled design to ensure rigorous evaluation of the treatment's efficacy. The primary goals include confirming the method's engagement with the amygdala and assessing its impact on behavioral outcomes related to fear responses.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Individual has normal or corrected to normal vision
2. Individual has normal or corrected to normal hearing
3. Individual is competent to understand informed consent
4. Individual must meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for specific phobias, animal subtype

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individual is unable to fill in consent form correctly
2. Individual is unable to respond adequately to screening questions
3. Individual is unable to maintain focus or to sit during assessment
4. Individual has history of: neurological disease or defect (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, schizophrenia or other psychological disorders, or seizures) Individual has vision problems (including cataracts, amblyopia, or glaucoma) Individual presents with: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, neurologic diagnoses or unstable serious medical conditions
5. Participant receives an elevated score on the PHQ-9
6. Individual does not present with more than one object of specific phobia
7. Individual can touch the phobic object category during the pre-treatment Behavioral Approach Test without presenting significant distress
8. Individual is currently prescribed psychotropic medication

Where it's running

• University of California, Los Angeles
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Michelle G Craske, PhD — University of California, Los Angeles
• Study coordinator: Gabriel J Fiol, B.A.
• Email: gfiol@psych.ucla.edu
• Phone: 7252228834

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.