Facilitation of Fear Extinction With Yohimbine Hydrochloride in Phobic Participants (NCT00734422) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 2/3
Facilitation of Fear Extinction With Yohimbine Hydrochloride in Phobic Participants
Netherlands67 participantsStarted 2008-07
Plain-language summary
Procedurally Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is quite similar to models of extinction of conditioned fears. Recent advances in animal research have identified pharmacological agents that appear to both accelerate and consolidate extinction learning. One of these cognitive enhancers is Yohimbine. An interesting finding in animal literature is that the administration of Yohimbine during extinction trials accelerates fear reduction and may convert ineffective exposures in to successful ones. It is thought that the mechanism of enhanced emotional memory is through elevated norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, we propose to extend these studies by combining VRET with Yohimbine. In this pilot study with a between groups design 20 participants with a fear of flying will be treated with VRET plus Yohimbine or VRET plus placebo. This between groups design was chosen to further characterize the differential within and between trial extinction. Outcome will be measured by self-report, behavioral, and psychophysiological assessments at pre- and post-treatment. In addition, we will examine extinction parameters during exposures.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* DSM-IV diagnosis of specific phobia (fear of flying).
* Between the ages of 18-65
* Sufficient fluency in Dutch to complete treatment and research protocol
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of medical condition, assessed by self-report questionnaires at the intake (i.e., pregnancy, seizure disorder, respiratory disorder, cardiovascular disease, pacemaker, hypertension).
* Resting blood pressure higher than 140 (systolic) or 105 (diastolic)
* Unstable psychotropic medication.
* Current use of tranquilizers (Benzodiazepines)
* Psychosis
* Depression with suicidal ideation
* Dementia or other severe cognitive impairment
* Substance dependence
* Bipolar disorder
* Borderline personality disorder
* Anti-social personality disorder
* Current use of beta-blockers
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial used yohimbine hydrochloride to try to enhance fear extinction therapy for phobias — since it's a Phase 2/3 trial that's now completed, what do the results suggest about whether this combination is actually safer and more effective than exposure therapy alone for someone with my specific phobia?
2The trial measured outcomes using self-report questionnaires about flight anxiety — if my phobia isn't specifically related to flying, do you think the findings would still be relevant to my situation, or should I be looking at other research?
3Since yohimbine is a stimulant that affects the nervous system, what side effects or risks did patients typically experience in studies like this, and are there any heart, blood pressure, or anxiety-related concerns I should know about before considering it?
4This trial is now completed — do you know if the results have been published, and based on what's been found, would you consider yohimbine-assisted exposure therapy a viable option to discuss for my treatment plan, or is standard exposure therapy still the better-supported first step?
5How does the Phase 2/3 status of this trial affect how confident we can be in the safety and benefit data, and does that change whether it makes sense to pursue this approach versus sticking with established treatments for phobic disorders?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.