Clinical Research Directory

Epi-Genetic Modulators of Fear Extinction in Alcohol Dependence

Background: \- Researchers want to learn if people with alcohol dependence have more difficulty learning to feel calm, or learn to fear things more easily. They also want to study how early life stress (ELS) affects the ability to learn to feel calm. Objective: \- To see if people with alcohol dependence and/or ELS have a harder time learning to feel calm than people without these. Also, to see if DNA is changed by ELS and if this change affects fear conditioning and extinction. Eligibility: * Adults ages 21-65 with and without an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and with and without ELS. * Healthy volunteers. Design: * Participants will be screened with: * Medical history * Physical exam * Blood and urine tests * Psychological tests * Treatment for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, if needed * Healthy volunteers will have 1 overnight visit (2 days, 1 night). AUD participants will stay at the clinic for about 4 weeks. * Participants will: * Rate alcohol use/craving, depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma. * Have psychophysiological measures: electrodes and mild electric shock. * Have a functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Participants will lie on a table in a metal cylinder with a coil over their head. In the first scanning session, they will see pictures, do a simple task, and may get shocks. Participants will also do a second scanning session in which they will perform the aforementioned fear conditioning and extinction task, as well as a facial expression matching task, an affective word processing task, and a task measuring valuation of monetary rewards. * Answer questions about their emotions (some participants). * Have blood drawn from an arm vein or intravenous (IV) line. * AUD participants will get a dexamethasone pill. The next day, they will get a hormone injected in and have blood drawn from an IV line. * AUD participants will have 3 follow-up visits with questions and blood and lab tests.

Opioids and Social Support Enhanced Extinction Effects

University of California, Los Angeles researchers will recruit healthy participants (age 18-35) to participate in a study examining whether the administration of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, eliminates the ability of social support figure reminders to enhance fear extinction--a process during which a threatening cue is learned to not predict a negative or threatening outcome (i.e., electric shock) by being repeatedly presented in the absence of that outcome. After undergoing an email screening, a telephone screening, an in lab screening, and a health screening, 60 participants will be enrolled in the study. During the experiment, 30 participants will be administered naltrexone and 30 participants will be administered placebo (both participants and experimenters will be blind to condition) before undergoing a fear extinction procedure in which threatening cues--cues that predict electric shock--will be paired with either an image of a social support figure (provided by participants) or a second threatening cue. These pairings will be presented repeatedly in the absence of shock in order for fear extinction to occur. Participants will return for a follow-up test to determine if fear extinction was successful.

Social Support and Reduced Fear Acquisition

University of California, Los Angeles researchers will recruit healthy participants and anxious participants (those diagnosed with social anxiety disorder) age 18-55 years old to participate in a study examining whether the ability of social support figure reminders to prevent the acquisition of fear in healthy participants extends to those with anxiety disorders. After being recruited from the UCLA community (healthy participants, n = 50) or referred by treatment providers at the Anxiety and Depression Research Center at UCLA (anxious participants, n =50) and undergoing a telephone screening and in-person screening, 100 participants will be enrolled in the study. During the experiment, all participants will undergo the same procedures: undergoing fear acquisition procedures--the repeated pairing of a neutral image with a mild electric shock that ultimately leads to the association of threat of shock with the image--in the presence of an image of a social support figure (provided by participants) and an image of a smiling stranger.

The Effect of a Stress Ball Applied Before Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of a stress ball applied before retrograde intrarenal surgery on patients' anxiety levels, surgical fear, and hemodynamic parameters.

Social Support and Enhanced Fear Extinction

University of California, Los Angeles researchers will recruit healthy participants and anxious participants (those diagnosed with social anxiety disorder) age 18-55 years old to participate in a study examining whether the ability of social support figure reminders to enhance the extinction of fear in healthy participants extends to those with anxiety disorders. After being recruited from the UCLA community (healthy participants, n = 50) or referred by treatment providers at the Anxiety and Depression Research Center at UCLA (anxious participants, n = 50) and undergoing a telephone screening and in-person screening, 100 participants will be enrolled in the study, with an expected recruited 150 to reach this number. During the experiment, all participants will undergo the same procedures: undergoing a fear extinction procedure in which threatening cues--cues that predict electric shock--will be paired with either an image of a social support figure (provided by participants) or an image of a smiling stranger. These pairings will be presented repeatedly in the absence of shock in order for fear extinction to occur. Participants will return for a follow-up test to determine if fear extinction was successful.

Effectiveness of Multisensoral Nature-based Intervention in Hospitalized Children During Venous Blood Sampling

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of multisensoral nature-based intervention compare to standard care in relieving anxiety, fear and pain in hospitalized child aged 5 to 9 years and parent's anxiety and satisfaction during venous blood sampling. The assessment uses different measures to assess child's anxiety, fear, pain and parent's anxiety and satisfaction during venous blood sampling. The study also measures the time spent on blood sampling.

AI-Generated Video Distraction Via Virtual Reality for Fear and Pain During Pediatric Circumcision

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of artificial intelligence-generated video distraction delivered via virtual reality on procedural fear and pain in children undergoing circumcision. A total of 80 children aged 4-12 years were assigned to an intervention group (n=40) or a control group (n=40). Children in the intervention group received AI-generated video distraction via virtual reality, whereas children in the control group received routine care. Pain and emotional responses were assessed from the perspectives of the child, parent, and nurse. Physiological parameters were also measured before and after the procedure. The study aimed to determine whether AI-generated video distraction delivered via virtual reality reduces procedural fear and pain during pediatric circumcision.

Stress Ball Use During Cataract Surgery: Effects on Pain, Fear and Satisfaction

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of stress ball use during cataract surgery on patients' pain, fear, and satisfaction levels.

The Effect of Buzzy® and a Stress Ball on Reducing Pain and Fear During Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation in Children

This study aims to compare the effects of Buzzy®, a device that applies cold and vibration, and a stress ball on pain and fear during intravenous catheter insertion in children aged 7-12 years. It seeks to answer whether one method is more effective than the other in reducing children's pain and fear during the procedure.

Smartphone-Based Cartoon Distraction During Cast Removal in Children

Cast removal can cause considerable fear and anxiety in children despite being a generally painless procedure. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether watching a cartoon on a smartphone during circumferential upper-extremity cast removal reduces procedure-related fear and behavioral distress in children aged 4 to 12 years compared with standard care. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to standard cast removal alone or standard cast removal combined with smartphone-based cartoon distraction. The primary outcome was fear assessed using the Children's Fear Scale (CFS). Secondary outcomes included behavioral distress assessed using the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-R) and pulse rate measured by pulse oximetry.

Virtual Reality for Pediatric Perioperative Preparation

This pilot randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether a virtual reality (VR) preparation program can improve the perioperative experience of children aged 3 to 12 years undergoing elective surgery. Children scheduled for surgery at HM Hospital in Madrid, Spain, will be randomly assigned to receive either a VR-based educational experience (NixiKit) or the standard preoperative preparation routinely provided by nursing staff. The VR intervention includes an immersive virtual tour of the preoperative area, operating room, and recovery room, designed to familiarize children with the surgical process in an age-appropriate manner. The control group will receive the usual verbal explanation and support provided by nurses before surgery. The study will assess children's fear, preoperative anxiety, cooperation during anesthesia induction, and postoperative pain. Parents' experience and satisfaction with care will also be evaluated. The results of this pilot study will help determine the feasibility and potential effectiveness of VR as a nursing-led preparation strategy for pediatric surgical patients.

Effect of Endorphin Massage on Surgical Fear, Anxiety and Pain Before Mastectomy

This research is planned to investigate the effect of endorphin massage applied before mastectomy surgery on surgical anxiety and fear and pain. This was a randomized, controlled experimental study. The sample comprised 61 patients who underwent mastectomy surgery. This research will be conducted between January 2025-September 2025 at the Atatürk University Health Practice and Research Hospital, Breast-Endocrine Clinic.The data will be collected using the Introductory Information Form, Surgical Anxiety Scale, Surgical Fear Scale, and Visual Analog Scale.

The Effect of Two Different Types of Hourglasses on Pain, Fear, and Anxiety

This research will be conducted as a pre-test-post-test parallel group randomized controlled experimental study to determine the effects of two different types of hourglasses (liquid gel-based hourglass and sand-based hourglass) used for distraction during blood collection in children aged 5-10 years on pain, fear, and anxiety and the comparative effectiveness of these methods. Research Hypotheses H1: The mean pain, fear, and anxiety scores of children who used a liquid gel-based hourglass during blood collection were significantly lower than the mean scores of children in the control group. H2: The mean pain, fear, and anxiety scores of children who used a sand-based hourglass during blood collection were significantly lower than the mean scores of children in the control group. H3: The use of a liquid gel-based hourglass and a sand-based hourglass during blood collection had different effects on the mean pain, fear, and anxiety scores of children.

The Effects of Two Methods Applied on Pain and Fear During Phlebotomy in Children

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using an externally vibrating dolphin-shaped Dolphin massage device and digital storytelling via tablet on pain and fear in children aged 3 to 6 years during blood collection. Method: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 105 children aged 3-6 years who visited the pediatric blood collection unit of a training and research hospital between June 2024 and June 2025. This study used the CONSORT checklist. After obtaining consent from the child and parent, the children (n=105) were assigned to one of the groups (Dolphin massage device group (n=35), digital storytelling group (n=35), control group (n=35)) using block randomization. The children's pain and fear scores were assessed after phlebotomy by their parents, the nurse performing the phlebotomy, and the researcher using the Wong-Baker Pain Scale and the Child Fear Scale. The phlebotomy procedure was performed by a single nurse.

Two Different Therapeutic Interventions Applied During Blood Sampling in Children

This research is a three-group, randomized controlled experimental study designed to determine the effect of two different therapeutic interventions applied during blood sampling on pain, anxiety, and fear levels in children aged 5-7 years. Children participating in the study will be randomly divided into three groups: 1. Group (Experiment 1): Distraction method using betta fish observation 2. Group (Experiment 2): Distraction method using hand puppets 3. Group (Control): Routine clinical practice (without any therapeutic intervention) Before, during, and after blood sampling, children's pain level (FLACC scale), fear level (child fear scale), and anxiety level (child anxiety scale) will be evaluated.

Intracranial Neurophysiological Signatures of Fear and Anxiety in Humans

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.

The Effect of Animated Movies and Storybooks on Fear and Anxiety Levels in Children With Type 1 Diabetes

This study aims to evaluate the effects of animated films and story books on the fear and anxiety levels of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Before Gastroscopy on Anxiety, Fear, and Vital Signs

Gastroscopy, performed as an invasive procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract diseases, is often perceived by patients as an unpleasant and frightening experience, leading to anxiety (Hua et al., 2025). The onset of anxiety reduces procedure tolerance and negatively affects patient compliance (Yang et al., 2024). Factors such as pain, fear of complications, loss of control, and inadequate information are frequently cited as contributors to pre-gastroscopy anxiety (Helba, 2024). Anxiety triggers general stress responses-such as tachycardia, hypertension, and respiratory changes-associated with autonomic nervous system activation, and it impacts sedation requirements and cardiopulmonary risks (Liu, 2025). Breathing exercises, a non-pharmacological intervention, are widely recognized in the literature as effective in alleviating anxiety and fostering positive outcomes in patients (Aktaş, 2022; Bulut \& Karabulut, 2023). Breathing exercises stand out as a safe, low-cost method that modulates autonomic nervous system activity (Herawati et al., 2023). This study examines the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises performed prior to gastroscopy on anxiety, fear, and vital signs. The results of this study will establish a scientific foundation for healthcare professionals regarding the clinical application of breathing exercises and contribute to evidence-based practices aimed at reducing pre-gastroscopy anxiety and fear while enhancing personal coping.

Acupressure and Hand Massage for Reducing Anxiety During Dental Local Anesthetic Injections in Children

This study aims to compare the effects of acupressure ,hand massage , and routine behavioral management on anxiety in children undergoing dental local anesthetic injections . Anxiety will be evaluated using Venham Picture Test ( VPT ) and heart rate measurements at specified time points before , during and after the injection procedure .

The Effect of Using Virtual Reality Glasses and Gaming Cards on Fear, Anxiety, and Physiological Parameters in Children Administered Inhaler Medication

This study aims to evaluate the effects of using virtual reality headsets and play cards during the administration of inhaler medication in pediatric patients. The primary goal is to determine how these distraction methods influence children's fear, anxiety levels, and physiological parameters (such as heart rate and oxygen saturation). The study population consists of pediatric patients aged between 4 and 6 years. Data collection for the targeted sample size of 150 children commenced in September, and the recruitment process is currently ongoing.Children receiving inhaler treatments often experience fear and anxiety, which can negatively affect their treatment compliance and vital signs. In this study, participants are divided into different groups to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality headsets and traditional play cards as distraction tools.

The Effect of Bubble Machine and Cartoon on Pain and Fear

Aim: This study aimed to compare the effects of cartoon-based audiovisual distraction and bubble-machine-based visual distraction on pain and fear during venipuncture in preschool children. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 123 children aged 3-6 years who underwent venipuncture between February and April 2026. Participants were randomly assigned to a cartoon-based audiovisual distraction group (n = 41), a bubble-machine-based visual distraction group (n = 41), or a control group (n = 41). Children in the cartoon group watched Oggy Oggy on a tablet, while those in the bubble-machine group were exposed to bubbles generated by an automated bubble machine during venipuncture. The control group received routine care. Pain and fear were assessed by the children, parents, and nurse using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and Children's Fear Scale.

THE EFFECT OF 'RHYTHMİC SKİN TAPPİNG' AND INTERNAL VİBRATİON APPLİED PROXİMAL TO THE PROCEDURE SİTE ON PAİN AND FEAR PERCEPTİON DURİNG PEDİATRİC PERİPHERAL VENİPUNCTURE

What is this study about, in short? This study looks at simple, no-cost ways to reduce the pain and fear that children aged 6-12 feel when they have blood drawn at the hospital. Two methods are being tested: * A nurse lightly and rhythmically tapping with their fingertips just above the spot where the needle will go ("rhythmic skin tapping"). * The child making an "mmmm" humming sound while the blood is being drawn ("internal vibration" or "humming"). These methods need no medicine and no device, so they can be used easily in any hospital. The study aims to find out whether these two methods really reduce pain and fear, by comparing them with a group that receives no extra method. Why is this study being done? Drawing blood is one of the most common painful procedures in children. Fear of needles is very common and can even lead a person to avoid health care later in life. So it matters to make the blood-draw experience easier for children. Some methods used to reduce pain have practical limits: * Numbing creams must be applied 30-60 minutes before the procedure; they are not practical in urgent situations and add cost. * Special devices that give cold and vibration can work, but they can be expensive, are not always available, and need care for hygiene. For these reasons, there is a need for simple methods that cost nothing, need no device, and can be applied easily in any setting. This study tests exactly that. How do the methods work? (Simple science) Both methods rest on an idea called the "Gate Control Theory": in our body, the sense of touch and vibration competes with the sense of pain on the way to the brain. Gentle touch or mild vibration can act like a "gate" that partly blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain. * Rhythmic skin tapping: Gentle, rhythmic tapping with the fingers may help "close the gate," so the pain is felt less. * Internal vibration (humming): The "mmmm" sound creates a mild vibration in the body. It can also stimulate the calming part of the nervous system, which may lower the heart rate and stress. Taking an active part in the procedure also gives the child a sense of control. Who can take part in the study? Can take part: * Children aged 6-12 years * Children who will have a blood draw * Children whose parent has given written permission and who themselves agree verbally * Children who can understand and speak Turkish * Children whose cognitive development is appropriate for their age * Children who do not have an ongoing (chronic) pain condition Cannot take part, or will be withdrawn: * Children who do not want to take part, or wish to withdraw at any stage * Children who develop a complication (an unexpected medical problem) during the procedure * Children who have used a painkiller within the last 24 hours * Children who have already taken part in this study before * Children whose skin is broken at the site where the needle will go * Children who have a neurological or psychiatric diagnosis What will happen if my child takes part? The blood draw will happen anyway because it is medically needed. The study only adds the method used during the draw and a short measurement afterward. Step by step: * Your child is placed by computer, at random (like drawing lots), into one of three groups. No one can choose the group in advance; this is called "randomization" and it keeps the comparison fair. * The blood draw is done as usual. The only difference is the method used, depending on your child's group. * Right after the procedure, the child is shown two short picture scales: one for pain, with faces ranging from smiling to crying (0-10), and one for fear, also made of faces (0-4). * A short form collects details such as age, sex, and any previous blood-draw experience. * No extra needle, medicine, or laboratory test is done beyond the routine blood draw. The three groups are: Group What is done in this group? 1. Rhythmic skin tapping Gentle, rhythmic tapping with the fingertips just above the needle site. 2. Internal vibration (humming) The child is asked to make an "mmmm" humming sound during the blood draw. 3. Control group The blood draw is done as usual, with no extra method. This group is the comparison point used to measure the effect of the other two methods. Where and when will the study take place? * Place: Kepez State Hospital Blood Collection Outpatient Clinic (Antalya, Türkiye). * Data collection period: June 2026 - June 2027. The total study duration is about 12 months. * Planned number of participants: 126 children in total (42 in each group). This number was set in advance by a statistical calculation so the results would be reliable. Taking part is completely voluntary * Your child does not have to take part. Even if you agree, you may withdraw at any time without giving a reason. * Not taking part, or withdrawing, will not affect the health care your child receives in any way. * Your child may also say they do not want the method; the child's decision is

The Effect of Multisensory Stimulation During Venipuncture on Pain, Anxiety, and Fear in Children

Venipuncture is one of the most common and distressing needle-related procedures for children, often causing significant pain, fear, and anxiety. To minimize this procedural distress, effective non-pharmacological interventions are essential in pediatric nursing care.

The Effect of Multisensory Stimulation Administered Before Clinical Encounters at the Pediatric Surgery Outpatient Clinic on Children's Anxiety and Fear Levels and Parental Anxiety

Encounters with healthcare services during childhood, particularly surgical evaluation processes, are a significant source of stress for both children and their parents. The initial evaluation, physical examination, and the prospect of a possible procedure conducted in pediatric surgery outpatient clinics can lead to increased levels of anxiety and fear in children. This situation not only affects the child's current psychological state but also reduces their cooperation during the examination, makes collaboration with healthcare professionals more difficult, and can negatively impact the overall healthcare experience. Increased levels of anxiety and fear in children are not limited to emotional reactions alone; they also affect physiological and behavioral responses, thereby shaping the entire healthcare process. Similarly, parents may also experience significant situational anxiety due to uncertainty about their child's health status, the possibility of surgical intervention, and the responsibility for care. Parental anxiety is a significant factor that can influence children's levels of anxiety and fear and can indirectly shape the child's healthcare experience through parent-child interaction.