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.
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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)
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)