RecruitingPhase 4ACTRN12610000490077

Examining the Efficacy of D-Cycloserine for Augmenting Exposure Therapy in Children with Spider Phobia and Dog Phobia: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Among Spider and Dog Phobic Children is D-Cycloserine Augmented Exposure Therapy more Effective than Exposure Therapy alone as Measured by Performance on Behavioural Approach Tests.

Sponsor

Macquarie University

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Aug 1, 2010

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Spider phobia in children. Dog phobia in children.

Summary

The aim of this trial is to examine whether 50mg of DCS can augment a single session of graded exposure therapy in children suffering from spider or dog phobia. The researchers are particularly interested in whether treatment gains can be maintained one week later both within and outside of the treatment context, as measured by Behavioral Approach Tests. The researchers hypothesize that children who receive the DCS in addition to exposure therapy will be less fearful of spiders or dogs one week later both within and outside of the treatment context.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 8 YearssMax Age: 14 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether a medicine called D-Cycloserine (DCS) can help children get over their fear of spiders or dogs faster. Researchers want to know if taking one dose of this medicine before a therapy session — where children gradually face their fear — makes the results last longer. Children who take the medicine will be compared to those who do not, and researchers will check how the children do one week after treatment. You may be eligible if: - Your child is between 8 and 14 years old - Your child has been diagnosed with a spider phobia or dog phobia - Your child is not currently in therapy for their phobia - Your child is not taking any psychiatric medications You may NOT be eligible if: - Your child has major depression, a developmental disorder, or symptoms of psychosis - Your child has a history of epilepsy, liver disease, or kidney disease - Your child is receiving additional psychotherapy for spider or dog phobia Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Single Exposure Therapy Session for Spider Phobia or Dog Phobia + 50mg D-cycloserine Exposure Therapy: All children will receive a single graded exposure therapy session for their spider or dog phobia which last about three hours. A parent will be in the room throughout the treatment. During the treatment the child and therapist will “work as a team” to complete a “fear hierarchy” of steps that increase the child’s proximity or contact with a live, non-poisonous spider or dog (e.g. first step: stand 10 feet away from a boxed spider or leashed dog, final step: allow the spider to walk on your bare hand or pet the dog). At each step the therapist will model the actions or step that he wants the child to complete and then encourage the child to complete it them self. At each step the child will be asked to report their level of anxiety using a visual feeling thermometer. The therapist will encourage the child to remain at the step until they report at least a 50% reduction in their anxiety. The treatment will continue until the final step of the fear hierarchy is complete or the child does not wish to continue. The treatment involves little talking therapy, however , the therapist will encourage the child to draw conclusions regarding their safety after each step (e.g. “so did the spider attack you when you came close after all?”). The success of therapy is contingent upon the child’s co-operation and motivation throughout treatment. Therefore, the therapist will not make the child do anything he or she does not want to do. This is a clinically standard and empirically validated treatment for specific fears in children. D-Cycloserine: A single oral 50mg capsule of D-Cycloserine (DCS) administered 1 hour before exposure therapy.

Locations(1)

Australia

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ACTRN12610000490077