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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
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Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
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Gradual extinction reduces reinstatement.
Youssef Shiban1, Jasmin Wittmann1, Mara Weißinger1
1Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Regensburg Regensburg, Germany.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
|October 7, 2015
Summary
Gradually reducing fear stimuli during extinction training effectively prevented the return of fear, particularly for startle responses. This gradual extinction (GE) method enhances fear extinction efficacy in humans.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Fear extinction is a key process for treating anxiety disorders.
- The return of fear after extinction remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Rodent studies suggest gradual extinction may improve efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if gradually reducing aversive stimuli during extinction prevents the return of fear in humans.
- To compare standard extinction (SE) with gradual extinction (GE).
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one participants underwent acquisition, extinction, and reinstatement testing.
- Participants were randomly assigned to SE or GE.
- Aversive stimuli (air blasts) were used as unconditioned stimuli (US) paired with conditioned stimuli (CS: spider, scorpion).
- Outcome measures included contingency ratings and physiological responses (skin conductance response, SCR; startle response).
Main Results:
- No group differences were observed during acquisition or extinction phases.
- Gradual extinction (GE) significantly reduced the return of fear in the reinstatement test for startle responses compared to standard extinction (SE).
- No significant differences were found for SCR or contingency ratings between groups.
Conclusions:
- Gradual extinction (GE) is effective in reducing the return of fear, specifically for startle responses, in humans.
- This study successfully translated rodent findings to human participants.
- The GE process shows promise for enhancing the efficacy of fear extinction therapies.
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