Scientists peer into the brain to decode fear and anxiety
NCT ID NCT05120635
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 01, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study aims to understand the brain mechanisms behind fear and anxiety in people with anxiety disorders like PTSD and GAD. Researchers will measure brain activity, heart rate, and skin responses while participants view fear-provoking images or use virtual reality. The study involves 80 adults who already have brain electrodes implanted for medical reasons. Findings may help improve future treatments for anxiety.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Oct 2021
- Expected to finish
-
May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 70 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Emotional memory are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Duke University Health System
RECRUITINGDurham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
-
University of California Los Angeles
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90024, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could a VR headset replace drugs for Kids' circumcision pain?
- Can a vibrating dolphin toy calm kids during blood draws?
- Can a personalized mix of nerve stimulation and therapy rewire the brain for better mental health?
- Can a therapist on a screen ease both trauma and pain?
- Zapping the Brain's fear hub: a new hope for PTSD?
- A simple breath before the scope: could it calm nerves?