Reducing fear responses in phobia patients using brain activity techniques
Unconscious Reduction of Fear Through Decoded Neuro-Reinforcement
This study is testing a new way to help people with phobias, like fear of spiders or snakes, by using brain activity techniques to reduce their fear without them having to face their fears directly.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06420557 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with specific phobias of animals who have normal or corrected vision and hearing.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, severe psychological conditions, or those unable to participate in assessments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a less distressing and more effective treatment option for individuals suffering from phobias.
How similar studies have performed: While traditional exposure therapies have been widely studied, this specific approach using unconscious neuro-reinforcement is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.