CompletedNot Applicable

Targeting Reconsolidation to Prevent Return of Fear

United States89 participantsStarted 2012-07

Plain-language summary

The overall aim of this project is to determine if using a cue to trigger (and reactivate) the fear memory 10 minutes prior to exposure treatment sessions leads to less anxiety in patients with a fear of flying. The long term goals are to establish if targeting the reconsolidation of fear with a reminder of the fear is effective for human clinical populations in reducing relapse (return of fear). In this investigation, the investigators propose to treat 64 patients diagnosed with a fear of flying (FOF) using virtual reality exposure therapy (VRE). All patients in the study will receive exactly the same exposure treatment using a virtual airplane.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 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

. Adult participants, male and female, ages 18-70;
. Participants must meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for specific phobia, situational type or panic disorder with agoraphobia, in which flying is the primary feared stimulus, or agoraphobia without a history of panic disorder, in which flying is a feared stimulus; Participants may have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders to increase generalizability of sample, but fear of flying must be the primary complaint;
. Participants must have flown at least once before;
. Participants on psychoactive medications must be stabilized on that dose and medication for at least three months, and must agree to remain on that dose throughout the project. All assessments will include a form inquiring about any medication changes, and participants on medications will be monitored by their prescribing physician; and
. Participants must be literate in English.

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 studied something called 'reconsolidation' as a way to reduce fear of flying — can you explain what that approach involves and how it differs from standard exposure-based therapy I might already be able to access?
2Since this trial has already been completed, is there any published data on how well the reconsolidation approach worked based on the Fear of Flying Inventory and the Questionnaire on Attitudes Toward Flying, and what do those results suggest?
3This study was listed as 'Phase NA,' which I understand often applies to behavioral or psychological research rather than drug trials — does that mean the safety profile is different from what I'd expect in a medication trial, and what risks, if any, should I be aware of?
4Given that this trial is now completed and no longer enrolling, are there any follow-up studies or similar reconsolidation-based programs for fear of flying that might still be open and worth considering?
5Would you recommend I try this reconsolidation approach if it becomes available, or is a more established treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy or gradual exposure therapy a better starting point for my situation?

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.

What they're measuring

Fear of Flying Inventory (FFI)

Timeframe: Post treatment (9 weeks)

The Questionnaire on Attitudes Toward Flying (QAF)

Timeframe: post treatment (9 weeks)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01623830

SponsorEmory University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-06

Results submitted2016-10-14

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Fear of Flying trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 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

. Adult participants, male and female, ages 18-70;
. Participants must meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for specific phobia, situational type or panic disorder with agoraphobia, in which flying is the primary feared stimulus, or agoraphobia without a history of panic disorder, in which flying is a feared stimulus; Participants may have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders to increase generalizability of sample, but fear of flying must be the primary complaint;
. Participants must have flown at least once before;
. Participants on psychoactive medications must be stabilized on that dose and medication for at least three months, and must agree to remain on that dose throughout the project. All assessments will include a form inquiring about any medication changes, and participants on medications will be monitored by their prescribing physician; and
. Participants must be literate in English.

Targeting Reconsolidation to Prevent Return of Fear

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Inclusion criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Questions for the trial coordinator

What they're measuring

Trial details

Targeting Reconsolidation to Prevent Return of Fear

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Inclusion criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Questions for the trial coordinator

What they're measuring

Trial details

Exclusion criteria