Online Psychological Treatment for Rat Phobia Guided by a Virtual Assistant (NCT05081323) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownNot Applicable
Online Psychological Treatment for Rat Phobia Guided by a Virtual Assistant
30 participantsStarted 2023-01
Plain-language summary
The research work proposes an exposure treatment through a virtual therapeutic assistant called Thera, that interacts verbally with the patient, to guide and control exposure therapies for phobias to small animals delivered through several channels at the same time that it analyzes the Physiological records of the patient in real-time to determine their emotional state during the intervention.
In this study it is proposed to evaluate the efficacy of a self-applied treatment where the virtual assistant allows to gradually guide an exposure treatment for rat phobias, taking advantage of intelligent devices for patient monitoring and being considered to determine the progress of the treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 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
. Meet the diagnostic criteria for specific phobia towards rats (with a mild to moderate symptomatology).
. Have basic digital knowledge and skills (computer and internet use).
. Have the necessary technological devices: email, computer / laptop, Smartphone, microphone, internet connection, and Bluetooth.
. Sign the informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
. Receiving another type of psychological or psychopharmacological treatment.
. Being diagnosed with another type of anxiety disorder or some psychopathology.
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 the scores of the fear to the rats
Timeframe: From 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the development of the patient and the completion of the 4 sessions
2
Change on the avoidance of the presence of the rat.
Timeframe: From 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the development of the patient and the completion of the 4 sessions
3
Change in anxiety symptoms
Timeframe: From 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the development of the patient and the completion of the 4 sessions