Please note: This trial has finished recruiting and is not accepting new participants.

Research Center: Baylor College of Medicine
Location: This is a remote study
Lead Doctor: Eric Storch, Ph.D
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board for Baylor College of Medicine and Affiliated Hospitals

Background

Dr. Eric Storch is leading a research study that is recruiting children and adolescents (aged 8-17 years) who experience significant discomfort or emotional distress due to anxiety to help study the characteristics of anxiety and  misophonia. Misophonia is a selective sensitivity to certain  sounds.

Currently, there is little research on the characteristics of misophonia in children and adolescents, which prevents the development of treatments for this condition. This research study aims to help understand the characteristics of anxiety and misophonia in children and adolescents through several assessment methods. The information from this study may help produce approaches for diagnosis and interventions that can be used for future research about anxiety and misophonia.

This study is inviting children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years old who experience significant discomfort or emotional distress because of anxiety (fears, worries or phobias). We are no longer recruiting participants who deal with misophonia or selective sound sensitivity. Participants (along with their parents) must comply with the online study requirements. The study requires parental consent for the child to participate.

Why Participate? 

• Your child may help researchers understand the characteristics of anxiety.
• Your child may help to improve future potential treatment options for misophonia.
• You will receive a brief summary of the findings from your child’s assessment.
• Compensation of up to $120 per family is available in this study.
• You and your child will be helping to advance mental health research.

Your Rights

• If you and your child decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your child’s records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your child’s health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years old who are experiencing significant discomfort or emotional distress due to anxiety 
• Able to comply with the following study requirements:
  • Answer a brief online assessment to evaluate anxiety symptoms
  • Willing to do online tasks and self-reported questionnaires
  • Willing to do a video conference interview
  • OPTIONAL: In-person bio-behavioral task at the research site (Houston, Texas) may be offered to some participants.

Please note:

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the study team would like to note the following:

• This is a virtual study which means you can participate in the comfort of your own home. However, there is an optional in-person portion (which means this is not mandatory).
  • Those the study team deems eligible and willing will be invited to an in-person visit at the research site. There will be a few close interactions during the study but this will be done once it is safer to meet in-person.