Intracranial Neurophysiological Signatures of Fear and Anxiety in Humans

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · Nov 3, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how our brains respond to fear and anxiety, particularly in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The goal is to understand what happens in the brain when people feel fear or anxiety, which could help improve treatments for these conditions. During the study, participants will perform tasks on a computer while their brain activity, heart rate, and skin sweat are monitored. Some tasks will even involve wearing a virtual reality headset to simulate situations that might trigger fear.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be 18 years or older and have had a specific type of brain electrode placement called responsive neurostimulation (RNS). They must also be able to read and write in English and agree to participate. However, individuals who are pregnant, have active psychosis, are having suicidal thoughts, or have substance abuse issues cannot take part. Participants can expect a supportive environment where their reactions to various fear-inducing images will be carefully observed, contributing valuable information to help others with anxiety disorders.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 12 years of age or older
• • Has undergone acute depth or chronic responsive neurostimulation (RNS) electrode placement
• • Willing to provide informed consent and participate in the study Ability to read and write English fluently
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 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