Intracranial Neurophysiological Signatures of Fear and Anxiety in Humans (NCT05120635)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affect a large number of individuals with a significant portion of patients failing to improve with current treatments. The purpose of this study is to understand the brain mechanisms that produce fear and anxiety in humans. To accomplish this goal, we will measure the brain activity along with the heart rate and skin perspiration of patients while they are completing tasks on a computer. Some of the tasks will also use a virtual reality headset and transport the patient in a video game-like environment. These tasks will expose the participants to various levels of fear-provoking images. Participants with responsive neurostimulation (RNS) implants will be enrolled under Pro00117931 at Duke, but their results for fear and anxiety tasks will be reported under NCT05120635.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (4 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (6 items).
Location: University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California
Age range: 18 Years to 70 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Unwilling to provide informed consent
- Has not undergone acute depth or chronic responsive neurostimulation (RNS) electrode placement
- Pregnant women
- Participants with active psychosis
- Participants with suicidal ideation
- Participants with substance abuse issues
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California
- Duke University Health System — Durham, North Carolina
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (919) 681-2577
Email: suthanalab@duke.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Fear
- Social Support and Reduced Fear Acquisition — Los Angeles, California
- Social Support and Enhanced Fear Extinction — Los Angeles, California
Explore by condition: All Fear clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.