Brain scans train people to forget fears

NCT ID NCT07122739

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Trustees of Princeton University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether real-time brain imaging feedback can help healthy adults reduce the spontaneous return of fear memories. Forty participants will receive either active or sham neurofeedback while undergoing fMRI. The goal is to strengthen memory control by targeting connections between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: real-time fMRI neurofeedback
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a non-drug method to weaken unwanted fear memories, potentially aiding treatments for anxiety or PTSD.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers, not patients. The effect may not translate to real-world conditions or clinical populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEALTHY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Princeton Neuroscience Institute
RECRUITING

Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.