AzTrials
AzTrials

PhobiasPhase 1/2NCT02926352

Effects of Low-Level Laser Stimulation With and Without Fear Extinction Training

A Phase 1/2 study testing Extinction Training and Low-Level Laser Therapy in people with Phobias and Claustrophobia, run by University of Texas at Austin at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

There are two specific aims for this study. Aim 1 is to test whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can enhance the efficacy of fear extinction training in the modification of pathological fear. Aim 2 is to investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a stand-alone intervention for anxiety/phobias. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Phobias, Claustrophobia, Social Phobia
What is being tested?
Extinction Training and Low-Level Laser Therapy
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
112 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
1 Aug 2015to 4 May 2020
Phase
Phase 1/2
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Ages 18-65
  • Behavioral Approach Test (BAT) peak fear rating equal to or greater than 50/100 on both BATs (i.e., treatment and generalization contexts).

Who cannot join

  • High risk for suicide as determined by a clinical assessment, which will occur if a participant indicates that they are currently experiencing suicidal ideation on the depression module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory, or on item 9 of the Beck Depression Inventory.
  • Psychotropic medication taken within the past 4 weeks.
  • Currently Receiving treatment for the fear domain in question.
  • Presence of a medical condition (i.e., pregnancy, seizure disorder, respiratory disorder, cardiovascular disease) that would contraindicate participation in one or more treatment or assessment activities as determined by a Medical History Questionnaire.
  • Active neurological condition (such as epilepsy or stroke) as determined by a Medical History Questionnaire.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders

    Austin, Texas, 78712

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Effects of Low-Level Laser Stimulation With and Without Fear Extinction Training in the Modification of Pathological Fear

There are two specific aims for this study. Aim 1 is to test whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can enhance the efficacy of fear extinction training in the modification of pathological fear. Aim 2 is to investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a stand-alone intervention for anxiety/phobias.

Read the detailed description

Preliminary research with non-human animals suggests that LLLT (i.e., ultra low doses of transcranial infrared light) can enhance the retention of fear extinction learning by up regulating neuronal metabolic activity when applied to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Furthermore, evidence from a previous uncontrolled trial with humans suggests that LLLT (outside the context of extinction training) can lead to a significant decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety when applied to the right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (dlPFC). The first aim of this study is to test whether LLLT can boost fear reduction after extinction training in humans. A second aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of LLLT as a stand-alone anxiolytic intervention in a randomized controlled trial.

Individuals between the ages of 18-65 with elevated fear in any of one of four domains (e.g., fear of enclosed spaces, fear of contamination, fear of public speaking, or anxiety sensitivity) are randomly assigned to one of four treatment arms (1) Extinction Training with LLLT, (2) Extinction Training with Sham LLLT, (3) LLLT alone, or (4) Sham LLLT alone.

To determine eligibility, all participants undergo an online prescreen and a face-to-face screening assessment. Participants who qualify for the study then complete a baseline (pre-treatment) assessment, followed immediately by the treatment procedure and a post-treatment assessment. Participants return to the lab an average of 14 days after treatment to complete a follow-up assessment. Participants complete two behavioral approach tests (in the treatment context and in the generalization context) at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up, and a battery of self-report questionnaires at baseline and follow-up.

Being tested
Extinction Training, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Sham Low-Level Laser Therapy
Keywords
LLLT, LLLS, Low-Level Laser Stimulation, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Low-Level Light Therapy, Transcranial infrared light stimulation, Near-infrared light, Photobiomodulation, Fear Extinction, Exposure Therapy, Claustrophobia, Fear of enclosed spaces, Fear of contamination, Fear of public speaking, Anxiety sensitivity, Cytochrome oxidase, Memory consolidation, Cognitive enhancer
Medical subject headings
Phobic Disorders, Claustrophobia, Phobia, Social, Glossophobia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Extinction TrainingBehavioural

    Also called Exposure Therapy

    Up to 40 min. of self-directed repeated exposure to a fear-provoking situation.

  • Low-Level Laser TherapyDevice

    Also called LLLT

    1064nm light used to modulate a biological function and induce a therapeutic effect.

  • Sham Low-Level Laser TherapyDevice

    Also called Sham LLLT

    Placebo dose version of LLLT.

Study groups in NCT02926352
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Extinction Training with LLLTExperimentalParticipants will receive one-session of fear extinction training tailored to the participant's specific fear domain. 15 minutes after fear extinction, participants will receive 8 minutes of Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulation. The laser will be directed at two areas on the forehead: bilateral frontal points Fp1 and Fp2 (on the EEG electrode placement system; to stimulate the vmPFC). Each area will be stimulated for 4 minutes. Treatment will consist of alternating between each of these points after each minute.
Receives: Behavioral: Extinction Training; Device: Low-Level Laser Therapy
Extinction Training with Sham LLLTActive comparatorParticipants will receive one-session of fear extinction training tailored to the participant's specific fear. 15 minutes after fear extinction, participants will receive 8 minutes of Sham Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulation. The laser will be directed at two areas on the forehead: bilateral frontal points Fp1 and Fp2 (on the EEG electrode placement system). The procedure will consist of alternating between each of these points after each minute. However, each point will receive only a brief (5-second) treatment to the intended site on the forehead, followed by 55 seconds of no treatment, for each one-minute cycle, functioning as a placebo dose of the treatment.
Receives: Behavioral: Extinction Training; Device: Sham Low-Level Laser Therapy
LLLT aloneExperimentalParticipants will receive 8 minutes of Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulation. The laser will be targeted first at the left forehead point F3 and then at the right forehead point F4 (on the EEG electrode placement system). F3 corresponds with the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and F4 corresponds with the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Each area will be stimulated for 4 minutes. Treatment will consist of alternating between each of these points after each minute.
Receives: Device: Low-Level Laser Therapy
Sham LLLT aloneSham comparatorParticipants will receive 8 minutes of Sham Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulation. The laser will be targeted first at the left forehead point F3 and then at the right forehead point F4 (on the EEG electrode placement system). The procedure will consist of alternating between each of these points after each minute. However, each point will receive only a brief (5-second) treatment to the intended site on the forehead, followed by 55 seconds of no treatment, for each one-minute cycle, functioning as a placebo dose of the treatment.
Receives: Device: Sham Low-Level Laser Therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Behavioral Approach Test- Generalization Context

    Change in fear response as indicated by behavioral approach and peak subjective fear ratings (0-100) in a generalization context (different from the treatment context) from baseline to follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1); Post-treatment (Day 1; immediately after treatment); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

Secondary outcomes (11)
  1. Behavioral Approach Test - Treatment Context

    Change in fear response as indicated by behavioral approach and peak subjective fear ratings (0-100) in a generalization context (different from the treatment context) from baseline to post-treatment.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1); Post-treatment (Day 1; immediately after treatment); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  2. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)

    Change in depression symptoms from baseline to follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  3. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)

    Change in anxiety symptoms from baseline to follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  4. Claustrophobia Questionnaire (CLQ)

    Change in claustrophobic cognitions from baseline to follow-up (for participants in the fear of enclosed spaces domain).

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  5. Claustrophobia Concerns Questionnaire (CCQ)

    Change in claustrophobic cognitions from baseline to follow-up (for participants in the fear of enclosed spaces domain).

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  6. Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R)

    Change in obsessional symptoms from baseline to follow-up (for participants in the fear of contamination domain).

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  7. Washing Threat Questionnaire (WTQ)

    Change in threat perceptions related to not being able to wash hands from baseline to follow-up (for participants in the fear of contamination domain).

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  8. Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version (LSAS-SR)

    Change in anxiety and avoidance for social situations from baseline to follow-up (for participants in the fear of public speaking domain).

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  9. Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory (SATI)

    Change in maladaptive cognitions associated with speech anxiety from baseline to follow-up (for participants in the fear of public speaking domain).

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  10. Anxiety sensitivity Index (ASI-3)

    Change in fear ratings of physical, cognitive, and social anxiety reactions or sensations from baseline to follow-up (for participants in the anxiety sensitivity domain).

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

  11. Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ)

    Change in fear ratings in relation to somatic sensations from baseline to follow-up (for participants in the anxiety sensitivity domain).

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1; beginning of first visit); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 Oct 2016 (estimated)
  2. Study start1 Aug 2015
  3. Primary completion4 May 2020
  4. Study completion4 May 2020

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 1/2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Factorial
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
112 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02926352
Sponsor's protocol ID
2013-12-0068
Status last verified
Dec 2022
First submitted
28 Aug 2015
Last updated
28 Dec 2022
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No

Publications

  • Zaizar ED, Papini S, Gonzalez-Lima F, Telch MJ. Singular and combined effects of transcranial infrared laser stimulation and exposure therapy on pathological fear: a randomized clinical trial. Psychol Med. 2023 Feb;53(3):908-917. doi: 10.1017/S0033291721002270. Epub 2021 Jul 21.

    PubMed 34284836

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 1/2 study testing Extinction Training and Low-Level Laser Therapy in people with Phobias and Claustrophobia, run by University of Texas at Austin at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Dec 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this combined phase mean?

Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Behavioral Approach Test- Generalization Context (time frame: Baseline (Day 1); Post-treatment (Day 1; immediately after treatment); Follow-up (2 weeks, average of 14 days after treatment)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02926352, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Dec 2022.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in