tDCS-Augmented Exposure Therapy for Pathological Fear (NCT03095482) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
tDCS-Augmented Exposure Therapy for Pathological Fear
United States49 participantsStarted 2017-01-01
Plain-language summary
This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial aims to test whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used to modulate fear extinction learning during exposure therapy for pathological fear, including fear of spiders, snakes, or germs / contamination. Participation takes place over three laboratory visits, including (1) a pre-treatment visit, (2) a treatment and post-treatment visit, and (3) a 1 month follow-up visit. During treatment, participants will receive either 20 minutes of active or sham tDCS, followed by 30 minutes of in vivo exposure therapy.
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
. Age 18-65.
. Fluent in English.
. A score on at least 1 fear domain-specific prescreen measure \> 2 SDs above the subject pool prescreen mean. These measures include (a) FSQ, and (b) OCI-R.
. Peak fear ≥ 50 on BATs 1 and 2.
Exclusion criteria
. Currently receiving treatment for the primary fear domain (based on clinical interview).
. Unstable dose of psychotropic medications within 6 weeks prior to baseline assessment (based on the DMQ; see measures).
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
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
1
Change in peak fear during two behavioral approach tasks across time-points.
Timeframe: Pre-treatment (baseline), post-treatment (1 week later), and follow-up (1 month after treatment)
2
Change in approach level during two behavioral approach tasks across time points.
Timeframe: Pre-treatment (baseline), post-treatment (1 week later), and follow-up (1 month after treatment)
. Medical condition that would contraindicate participation in treatment or assessment activities (e.g., cardiovascular problems; based on the DMQ; see measures).
. Pregnancy (based on the DMQ; see measures).
. Current major depressive disorder (based on MINI; see measures).
. Current, or history of bipolar disorder (based on MINI; see measures).
. Current, or history of psychotic symptoms (based on MINI; see measures).
. Serious suicidal risk, as determined by self-report (C-SSRS, BDI-II) and clinical interview (MINI; see measures).