Neural Dynamics of the Acquisition and Retention of Fear Learning and Active Avoidance LearningNCT06240052
Use Electroencephalogram to Study Neural Dynamics of Fear Conditioning and Avoidance Learning Circuit in Humans
A study testing Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP) in people with Neural Dynamics of the Acquisition and Retention of Fear Learning and Active Avoidance Learning, run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to examine which event-related potentials (ERPs) and event-related oscillations (EROs) are associated with fear conditioning, avoidance learning, and memory recall for fear and avoidance, where are the source generators of the observed scalp EEG activity, the impact of fear and avoidance… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 70 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Neural Dynamics of the Acquisition and Retention of Fear Learning and Active Avoidance Learning
- What is being tested?
- Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 150 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 8 Feb 2024to 30 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 70 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Willing and able to provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- History of neurologic disease
- History of seizure or significant head trauma/loss of consciousness
- Significant serious psychiatric diagnosis
- Significant suicidal ideation or behaviors
- High risk of adverse emotional or behavioral reaction, and/or an inability to understand study procedures or the informed consent process, based on investigator/clinician clinical evaluation
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, 77030
About this study
The purpose of this study is to examine which event-related potentials (ERPs) and event-related oscillations (EROs) are associated with fear conditioning, avoidance learning, and memory recall for fear and avoidance, where are the source generators of the observed scalp EEG activity, the impact of fear and avoidance learning on the decision to avoid or not to avoid conditioned stimuli , to examine the large-scale functional connectivity across distributed brain regions across experimental phases, and to examine whether spontaneous EEG data during resting-state correlate with the EEG measures during experimental tasks.
- Conditions
- Neural Dynamics of the Acquisition and Retention of Fear Learning and Active Avoidance Learning
- Being tested
- Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP)
- Keywords
- Fear Learning, Active Avoidance, Electroencephalogram (EEG)
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP)Behavioural
On day 1 subjects will undergo image viewing, fear conditioning, and avoidance learning. Subjects will be instructed to passively view the images from 3 categories on the screen, with 2 of the 3 categories being paired with a mild shock to the subjects' foot. Then they will see a picture of a button on the screen together with all three categories. If they press the button, they may prevent the shock from occurring. Pressing the button for one of the conditioned categories will prevent the shock from happening. Pressing the button to the other conditioned cue will not prevent the shock .Pressing the button to the third category does nothing. On day 2, subjects will be given $5 and will be told that they can press a button to avoid a shock. The number of times the button was pressed will be counted and if it is less than the number by another randomly selected participant then the participant will get to keep the money.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP) | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the image familiarization phase (viewing phase)
On day 1 during the image familiarization phase (also called the viewing phase), participants will be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools, and participants will be instructed to passively view the presented images.
During the viewing phase, Skin Conductance Response (SCR) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each of the 3 object categories.
Measured: During the image familiarization/viewing phase (about 15 minutes total)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the fear conditioning phase
In this phase participants will continue to be presented with images from the three categories, which will be used as conditioned stimuli (CS), as follows. Objects from two categories will be reinforced by a mild electrical shock (CS+), whereas the third category will never be reinforced (CS-). Skin Conductance Response (SCR) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each of the 3 object categories.
Measured: During the fear conditioning phase (about 18 minutes total)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the avoidance learning phase
On day 1, after the fear phase, participants will complete the avoidance learning phase. In this phase, participants can avoid a shock by pressing a button. Objects from some categories will be reinforced by a mild electrical shock (CS+), whereas the other categories will not be reinforced (CS-). Pressing the button during the presentation of the object will or will not prevent the shock from occurring. During the avoidance learning phase, Skin Conductance Response (SCR) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each of the 3 object categories.
Measured: During the avoidance learning phase (about 18 minutes total)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the memory recall phase
On day 2, participants will complete the memory recall phase. During this phase, participants will again be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools. Participants will be informed that they have a choice to press or not to press a button during the image presentation to avoid a possible shock.
During the memory recall phase, Skin Conductance Response (SCR) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each of the 3 object categories.
Measured: During the memory recall phase (about 18 minutes total)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Measured: Immediately Before the Viewing Phase on day 1
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Measured: Immediately After the Viewing Phase (day 1 about 15 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Measured: Immediately Before the fear conditioning Phase (day 1 about 20 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Measured: Immediately After the fear conditioning Phase (day 1 about 38 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Measured: Immediately Before the avoidance learning phase (day 1 about 43 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Measured: Immediately after the avoidance learning phase (day 1 about 61 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Measured: Immediately Before the memory recall phase on day 2 (about 1 day after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Measured: Immediately after the memory recall phase (day 2 about 1 day 18 minutes after start of memory recall phase)
Number of participants who had higher event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to CS+ categories relative to CS- categories, as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) during the image familiarization phase (viewing phase)
On day 1 during the image familiarization phase (also called the viewing phase), participants will be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools, and participants will be instructed to passively view the presented images.
During the viewing phase, event-related potentials (ERPs) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. Event-related potential (ERP), which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli.
Measured: During the image familiarization/viewing phase (about 15 minutes total)
Number of participants who had higher event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to CS+ categories relative to CS- categories, as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) during the fear conditioning phase
On day 1, after the viewing phase, participants will then complete the fear conditioning phase. Participants will continue to be presented with images from the three categories. During the fear conditioning phase, ERPs will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category.ERP), which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli.
Measured: During the image familiarization/viewing phase (about 15 minutes total)
Number of participants who had higher event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to CS+ categories relative to CS- categories, as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) during the avoidance learning phase
On day 1, after the fear avoidance phase, participants will complete the avoidance learning phase. In this phase, participants can or can not avoid a shock by pressing a button.
During the avoidance learning phase, ERPs will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. Event-evoked potential (EEP), which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli.
Measured: During the avoidance learning phase (about 18 minutes total)
Number of participants who had higher event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to CS+ categories relative to CS- categories, as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) during the memory recall phase
On day 2, participants will complete the memory recall phase. During this phase, participants will again be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools. Participants will be informed that they have a choice to press or not to press a button during the CS presentation to avoid a possible shock.
During the memory recall phase, ERPs will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli.
Measured: During the memory recall phase (about 18 minutes total)
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Measured: Immediately Before the Viewing Phase on day 1
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Measured: Immediately After the Viewing Phase (day 1 about 15 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Measured: Immediately Before the fear conditioning Phase (day 1 about 20 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Measured: Immediately After the fear conditioning Phase (day 1 about 38 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Measured: Immediately Before the avoidance learning phase (day 1 about 43 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Measured: Immediately after the avoidance learning phase (day 1 about 61 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Measured: Immediately Before the memory recall phase on day 2 (about 1 day after start of viewing phase
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Measured: Immediately after the memory recall phase (day 2 about 1 day 18 minutes after start of memory recall phase).
Number of times a participant pressed the button to avoid shock in response to an object category during the avoidance learning phase
On day 1, after the fear avoidance phase, participants will complete the avoidance learning phase. In this phase, participants can or can not avoid a shock by pressing a button.
During the avoidance Learning Phase, the number of time a participant presses the button in response to each of the 3 object categories will be reported.
Measured: During the avoidance learning phase (about 18 minutes total)
Number of times a participant pressed the button in response to an object category during the memory recall phase
On day 2, participants will complete the memory recall phase. During this phase, participants will again be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools. Participants will be informed that they have a choice to press or not to press a button during the CS presentation to avoid a possible shock.
During the memory recall phase, the number of time a participant presses the button in response to each of the 3 object categories will be reported.
Measured: During the memory recall phase (about 18 minutes total)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Feb 2024
- Study start8 Feb 2024
- Primary completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Neural Dynamics of the Acquisition and Retention of Fear Learning and Active Avoidance LearningStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, HoustonThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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 N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mohammed Milad, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Investigators
- Mohammed Milad, PhD, Principal investigator, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06240052
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HSC-MS-23-0841
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 25 Jan 2024
- Last updated
- 5 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Use Electroencephalogram to Study Neural Dynamics of Fear Conditioning and Avoidance Learning Circuit in Humans
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06240052
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HSC-MS-23-0841
- Conditions
- Neural Dynamics of the Acquisition and Retention of Fear Learning and Active Avoidance Learning
- Keywords
- Fear Learning, Active Avoidance, Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, HoustonUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 8 Feb 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Feb 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study is to examine which event-related potentials (ERPs) and event-related oscillations (EROs) are associated with fear conditioning, avoidance learning, and memory recall for fear and avoidance, where are the source generators of the observed scalp EEG activity, the impact of fear and avoidance learning on the decision to avoid or not to avoid conditioned stimuli , to examine the large-scale functional connectivity across distributed brain regions across experimental phases, and to examine whether spontaneous EEG data during resting-state correlate with the EEG measures during experimental tasks.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP) | Experimental | Behavioral: Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Willing and able to provide informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- History of neurologic disease
- History of seizure or significant head trauma/loss of consciousness
- Significant serious psychiatric diagnosis
- Significant suicidal ideation or behaviors
- High risk of adverse emotional or behavioral reaction, and/or an inability to understand study procedures or the informed consent process, based on investigator/clinician clinical evaluation
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP)On day 1 subjects will undergo image viewing, fear conditioning, and avoidance learning. Subjects will be instructed to passively view the images from 3 categories on the screen, with 2 of the 3 categories being paired with a mild shock to the subjects' foot. Then they will see a picture of a button on the screen together with all three categories. If they press the button, they may prevent the shock from occurring. Pressing the button for one of the conditioned categories will prevent the shock from happening. Pressing the button to the other conditioned cue will not prevent the shock .Pressing the button to the third category does nothing. On day 2, subjects will be given $5 and will be told that they can press a button to avoid a shock. The number of times the button was pressed will be counted and if it is less than the number by another randomly selected participant then the participant will get to keep the money. | Behavioural | Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP) |
Primary outcome
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the image familiarization phase (viewing phase)
Time frame: During the image familiarization/viewing phase (about 15 minutes total)
On day 1 during the image familiarization phase (also called the viewing phase), participants will be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools, and participants will be instructed to passively view the presented images. During the viewing phase, Skin Conductance Response (SCR) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each of the 3 object categories.
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the fear conditioning phase
Time frame: During the fear conditioning phase (about 18 minutes total)
In this phase participants will continue to be presented with images from the three categories, which will be used as conditioned stimuli (CS), as follows. Objects from two categories will be reinforced by a mild electrical shock (CS+), whereas the third category will never be reinforced (CS-). Skin Conductance Response (SCR) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each of the 3 object categories.
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the avoidance learning phase
Time frame: During the avoidance learning phase (about 18 minutes total)
On day 1, after the fear phase, participants will complete the avoidance learning phase. In this phase, participants can avoid a shock by pressing a button. Objects from some categories will be reinforced by a mild electrical shock (CS+), whereas the other categories will not be reinforced (CS-). Pressing the button during the presentation of the object will or will not prevent the shock from occurring. During the avoidance learning phase, Skin Conductance Response (SCR) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each of the 3 object categories.
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the memory recall phase
Time frame: During the memory recall phase (about 18 minutes total)
On day 2, participants will complete the memory recall phase. During this phase, participants will again be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools. Participants will be informed that they have a choice to press or not to press a button during the image presentation to avoid a possible shock. During the memory recall phase, Skin Conductance Response (SCR) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each of the 3 object categories.
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Time frame: Immediately Before the Viewing Phase on day 1
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Time frame: Immediately After the Viewing Phase (day 1 about 15 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Time frame: Immediately Before the fear conditioning Phase (day 1 about 20 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Time frame: Immediately After the fear conditioning Phase (day 1 about 38 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Time frame: Immediately Before the avoidance learning phase (day 1 about 43 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Time frame: Immediately after the avoidance learning phase (day 1 about 61 minutes after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Time frame: Immediately Before the memory recall phase on day 2 (about 1 day after start of viewing phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during resting state
Time frame: Immediately after the memory recall phase (day 2 about 1 day 18 minutes after start of memory recall phase)
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in microsiemens will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2). SCR is measured by placing two electrodes on the skin and passing a tiny electric charge between the two points. SCR is proportionally related to the number of sweat glands that are activated, meaning that the more emotionally aroused an individual is by the visual stimuli, the more SCR is increased. SCR will be reported in microsiemens for each resting state period. Resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be recorded. EEG is measured in microvolts, refers to the spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during resting-state (i.e., no task).
Number of participants who had higher event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to CS+ categories relative to CS- categories, as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) during the image familiarization phase (viewing phase)
Time frame: During the image familiarization/viewing phase (about 15 minutes total)
On day 1 during the image familiarization phase (also called the viewing phase), participants will be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools, and participants will be instructed to passively view the presented images. During the viewing phase, event-related potentials (ERPs) will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. Event-related potential (ERP), which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli.
Number of participants who had higher event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to CS+ categories relative to CS- categories, as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) during the fear conditioning phase
Time frame: During the image familiarization/viewing phase (about 15 minutes total)
On day 1, after the viewing phase, participants will then complete the fear conditioning phase. Participants will continue to be presented with images from the three categories. During the fear conditioning phase, ERPs will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category.ERP), which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli.
Number of participants who had higher event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to CS+ categories relative to CS- categories, as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) during the avoidance learning phase
Time frame: During the avoidance learning phase (about 18 minutes total)
On day 1, after the fear avoidance phase, participants will complete the avoidance learning phase. In this phase, participants can or can not avoid a shock by pressing a button. During the avoidance learning phase, ERPs will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. Event-evoked potential (EEP), which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli.
Number of participants who had higher event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to CS+ categories relative to CS- categories, as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) during the memory recall phase
Time frame: During the memory recall phase (about 18 minutes total)
On day 2, participants will complete the memory recall phase. During this phase, participants will again be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools. Participants will be informed that they have a choice to press or not to press a button during the CS presentation to avoid a possible shock. During the memory recall phase, ERPs will be recorded to assess participants' response to each object category. ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli.
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
Time frame: Immediately Before the Viewing Phase on day 1
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
Time frame: Immediately After the Viewing Phase (day 1 about 15 minutes after start of viewing phase)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
Time frame: Immediately Before the fear conditioning Phase (day 1 about 20 minutes after start of viewing phase)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
Time frame: Immediately After the fear conditioning Phase (day 1 about 38 minutes after start of viewing phase)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
Time frame: Immediately Before the avoidance learning phase (day 1 about 43 minutes after start of viewing phase)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
Time frame: Immediately after the avoidance learning phase (day 1 about 61 minutes after start of viewing phase)
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
Time frame: Immediately Before the memory recall phase on day 2 (about 1 day after start of viewing phase
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Spontaneous electrical activity in the brain during the resting state as assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG)
Time frame: Immediately after the memory recall phase (day 2 about 1 day 18 minutes after start of memory recall phase).
ERP, which is assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG) and measured in microvolts, refers to the electrical activity in the brain that is elicited by a specific stimuli. EEG will be recorded during the resting states immediately before and after each experimental phase (the 4 experimental phases are the viewing phase on day 1, the fear condition phase on day 1, the avoidance learning phase on day 1, and the memory recall phase on day 2).
Number of times a participant pressed the button to avoid shock in response to an object category during the avoidance learning phase
Time frame: During the avoidance learning phase (about 18 minutes total)
On day 1, after the fear avoidance phase, participants will complete the avoidance learning phase. In this phase, participants can or can not avoid a shock by pressing a button. During the avoidance Learning Phase, the number of time a participant presses the button in response to each of the 3 object categories will be reported.
Number of times a participant pressed the button in response to an object category during the memory recall phase
Time frame: During the memory recall phase (about 18 minutes total)
On day 2, participants will complete the memory recall phase. During this phase, participants will again be presented with images on a computer screen from three different object categories, such as fruits, animals, and tools. Participants will be informed that they have a choice to press or not to press a button during the CS presentation to avoid a possible shock. During the memory recall phase, the number of time a participant presses the button in response to each of the 3 object categories will be reported.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Dec 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Mohammed Milad, PhD principal investigator
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Conditioning and active avoidance paradigm (CAAP) in people with Neural Dynamics of the Acquisition and Retention of Fear Learning and Active Avoidance Learning, run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston 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 1 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Dec 2025. 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. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Skin Conductance Response (SCR) during the image familiarization phase (viewing phase) (time frame: During the image familiarization/viewing phase (about 15 minutes total)). The study lists 26 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 5 Dec 2025.