Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 70

Understanding brain activity related to fear and anxiety

Official title: Intracranial Neurophysiological Signatures of Fear and Anxiety in Humans

Run by Duke University · NCT05120635 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to understand how the brain reacts to fear and anxiety in people with conditions like PTSD and GAD by monitoring their brain activity and emotions during different tasks, including virtual reality experiences.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorDuke University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2021
Main results expectedMay 31, 2027
Study endsMay 31, 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 31, 2026
Trial IDNCT05120635 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 12 years or older who have undergone neurostimulation electrode placement and can provide informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant, have active psychosis, suicidal ideation, or substance abuse issues may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the brain mechanisms that contribute to fear and anxiety disorders, such as PTSD and GAD. Participants will undergo brain activity monitoring, heart rate measurement, and skin perspiration assessment while completing various tasks, including those in a virtual reality environment designed to provoke fear. The study will involve individuals who have had neurostimulation electrode placement, allowing researchers to gather data on how these interventions affect emotional responses. The goal is to enhance understanding of anxiety disorders and potentially improve treatment strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better-targeted therapies for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in understanding brain mechanisms related to anxiety, but this specific approach using neurostimulation and virtual reality is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Has undergone acute depth or chronic responsive neurostimulation (RNS) electrode placement
* Willing to provide informed consent and participate in the study
* Ability to read and write English fluently

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unwilling to provide informed consent
* Has not undergone acute depth or chronic responsive neurostimulation (RNS) electrode placement
* Pregnant women
* Participants with active psychosis
* Participants with suicidal ideation
* Participants with substance abuse issues

Where it's running

  • University of California Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Duke University Health System
    Durham, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Nanthia Suthana, PhD — Duke Health
  • Study coordinator: Aaron Halvorsen, PhD
  • Email: suthanalab@duke.edu
  • Phone: 9196812577

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.