Understanding brain activity related to fear and anxiety
Intracranial Neurophysiological Signatures of Fear and Anxiety in Humans
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05120635 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 12 years or older who have undergone neurostimulation electrode placement and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have active psychosis, suicidal ideation, or substance abuse issues may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in understanding brain mechanisms related to anxiety, but this specific approach using neurostimulation and virtual reality is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations
- 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: Gabriela Vilchez
- Email: suthanalab@duke.edu
- Phone: 9196812577
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.