CompletedNot Applicable

Generalized Fear Extinction to Untreated Fear Stimuli in Specific Phobias After Exposure

Germany50 participantsStarted 2019-06-06

Plain-language summary

This study investigates whether a one-session exposure treatment for spider-related stimuli can lead to a generalization of extinguished fear to height-related stimuli in individuals with comorbid fear of spiders and fear of heights.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 40 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: * Comorbid presence of fear of spiders and fear of heights \[Potential diagnosis of specific phobias (arachnophobia and acrophobia) assessed by application of the Diagnostic Short-Interview for Mental Disorders (Mini-Dips)\]. Exclusion Criteria: * Any acute or chronic mental and / or somatic disease * Psychological, psychiatric, neurological or pharmacological treatment (Application of the Mini-DIPS to screen for the presence of a psychological condition) * Drug or alcohol abuse * Pregnancy

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

Behavioral Approach Test (BAT) for Spiders

Timeframe: Change in BAT scores from pre- to posttreatment (across one week from pretreatment to posttreatment)

Behavioral Approach Test (BAT) for Heights

Timeframe: Change in BAT scores from pre- to posttreatment (across one week from pretreatment to posttreatment)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03907345

SponsorRuhr University of Bochum

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-10-07

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Fear of Spiders trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 40 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.

What they're measuring

Behavioral Approach Test (BAT) for Spiders

Timeframe: Change in BAT scores from pre- to posttreatment (across one week from pretreatment to posttreatment)

Behavioral Approach Test (BAT) for Heights

Timeframe: Change in BAT scores from pre- to posttreatment (across one week from pretreatment to posttreatment)