Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement for Anxiety Disorders
(DecNef Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This application investigates the efficacy of a novel method of neuro-reinforcement based on decoded fMRI activity to reduce fear responses in individuals with phobias (e.g., spiders, snakes). This method works unconsciously in the brain, without the need for participants to endure repeated conscious exposures to their feared stimuli. Fear-related disorders such as specific phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other anxiety disorders present a major challenge, as effective treatment options usually involve repeated exposures to feared stimuli, leading to high levels of distress, fear, and panic that can motivate premature treatment termination. Consequently, there is an unmet need for treatment that minimizes subjective discomfort and attrition in order to maximize efficacy. Recent developments in computational neuroimaging have enabled a method that can deliver unconscious exposure to feared stimuli, resulting in effective fear reduction while bypassing a primary cause of treatment attrition. Because this treatment method happens unconsciously in the brain, changes in behavior outcomes are potentially more likely to generalize to different contexts, thereby overcoming a limitation of traditional treatments.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes individuals who are currently prescribed psychotropic medication (drugs that affect mood, perception, or behavior).
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement for Anxiety Disorders?
Research shows that unconscious exposure therapy, which uses brain imaging to reduce fear without conscious awareness, can lower physiological fear responses like skin conductance and brain activity in the amygdala (a part of the brain involved in fear). This method avoids the distress of traditional exposure therapy and has shown promise in reducing fear responses in people with phobias.12345
Is Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement safe for humans?
Research suggests that Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement, which involves exposure to feared stimuli without conscious awareness, can reduce fear responses without causing the distress associated with traditional exposure therapies. This method has been tested in controlled settings and has shown to be safe, as it does not induce the distress typically caused by conscious exposure.13467
How is Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement different from other treatments for anxiety disorders?
Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement is unique because it reduces fear without the need for conscious exposure to feared situations, using brain imaging techniques to pair rewards with unconscious fear responses. This approach bypasses the distress often associated with traditional exposure therapy, making it potentially more comfortable for patients.13489
Research Team
Michelle G. Craske, Ph.D
Principal Investigator
University of California, Los Angeles
Eligibility Criteria
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.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Neuro-reinforcement Treatment
Participants undergo neuro-reinforcement sessions using decoded fMRI activity to reduce fear responses
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in amygdala reactivity and behavioral outcomes post-treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Unconscious Neuro-reinforcement
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor