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Behavioural Intervention

Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement for Anxiety Disorders (DecNef Trial)

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Michelle G Craske, PhD
Research Sponsored by University of California, Los Angeles
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Individual has normal or corrected to normal hearing
Individual has normal or corrected to normal vision
Must not have
Individual has vision problems (including cataracts, amblyopia, or glaucoma)
Individual is unable to maintain focus or to sit during assessment
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 14 days/6 weeks (measured at pre-treatment, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks)
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial is looking at a new way to reduce fear responses in people with phobias like spiders and snakes. The method uses brain activity to unconsciously change how the brain responds to fear, without

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with phobias or anxiety disorders like PTSD, who are looking for a treatment that doesn't involve consciously facing their fears. Participants should be comfortable undergoing fMRI scans and not have conditions that exclude them from such procedures.
What is being tested?
The study tests an innovative neuro-reinforcement method using decoded fMRI to reduce fear responses without conscious exposure to the feared subject. It aims to provide a less distressing alternative to traditional treatments by working unconsciously.
What are the potential side effects?
Since this is a non-invasive brain imaging technique, side effects may include discomfort during the fMRI procedure or mild headaches post-scan. The unconscious intervention itself does not have direct side effects.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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My hearing is normal or corrected to normal.
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My vision is normal or corrected to normal with glasses or contacts.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have vision problems like cataracts, lazy eye, or glaucoma.
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I struggle to stay focused or sit still during assessments.
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I am currently taking medication for my mental health.
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I cannot answer screening questions well.
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I have a history of neurological disease or brain injury.
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I have PTSD, OCD, substance use disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, a neurological condition, or a serious unstable medical condition.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~14 days/6 weeks (measured at pre-treatment, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks)
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 14 days/6 weeks (measured at pre-treatment, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Amygdala Reactivity
Subjective Fear Post-treatment Minus Pre-treatment
Secondary outcome measures
Approach/Avoidance Behavior in VR Post-treatment Minus Pre-treatment
Behavioral Inhibition/Behavioral Activation Scales (BIS/BAS)
Fear Survey Schedule
+7 more

Trial Design

3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: 5 sessionsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
5 neuro-reinforcement sessions
Group II: 3 SessionsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
3 neuro-reinforcement sessions
Group III: 1 SessionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
1 neuro-reinforcement session
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement
2018
N/A
~30

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of California, Los AngelesLead Sponsor
1,554 Previous Clinical Trials
10,264,054 Total Patients Enrolled
33 Trials studying Anxiety Disorders
3,867 Patients Enrolled for Anxiety Disorders
Michelle G Craske, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity of California, Los Angeles
3 Previous Clinical Trials
325 Total Patients Enrolled
2 Trials studying Anxiety Disorders
162 Patients Enrolled for Anxiety Disorders
~40 spots leftby Sep 2026
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