Disruption of Memory Reconsolidating as a Treatment for Panic Disorder

VU University of Amsterdam60 enrolled

Overview

Animal and human fear conditioning studies have repeatedly shown that administering propranolol before or after retrieval of a previously acquired fear results in an elimination of the fear expression. This approach, known as disruption of fear memory reconsolidation, is a promising new avenue for treating anxiety disorders. The present study aims to test its efficacy in patients with panic disorder.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Panic Disorder

Interventions

PropranololDRUG

Intake of propranolol pill (40 milligram)

PlaceboDRUG

Intake of placebo pill (40 milligram)

Carbon dioxideOTHER

Inhalation of 35% carbon dioxide

Compressed air

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * a primary diagnosis of panic disorder according to DSM-V * written approval of an independent physician for participation Exclusion Criteria: * other relevant treatment for panic disorder at the time of study - e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) * diagnosis of depression * diagnosis of psychosis * use of psychotropic medication * history of pulmonary diseases * metabolic acidosis * history of cardiovascular diseases * heart problems among first-degree relatives * heart rate (HR) \< 60 * blood pressure (BP) \< 90-60 or BP \> 170-100 * history of black-outs or fainting * diabetes * liver or kidney diseases * hyperactive production of thyroid hormones * epilepsy * any medication contra-indicative of the use of propranolol * pregnancy

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in the number of participants diagnosed with panic disorder assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth addition (DSM-IV) Axis I Disorders

Time frame: Baseline and 3 months

Change in score on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS-SR)

Time frame: Baseline, 7 days, 3 months

Secondary Outcomes

Carbon dioxide challenge using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0-100 mm

Participants are asked to rate on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0-100 mm the degree to which they are willing to inhale carbon dioxide again if this were requested. Secondly, participants will indeed be requested to perform the challenge a second time and rate on the visual analogue scale how anxious it made them feel.

Time frame: 3 months

Change in score on the Panic Appraisal Inventory (PAI)

Time frame: Baseline, 7 days, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year

Change in score on the Mobility Inventory (MI)

Time frame: Baseline, 7 days, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year

Change in score on the Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ)

Time frame: Baseline, 7 days, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year

Change in score on the Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ)

Time frame: Baseline, 7 days, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year

Change in the number of participants diagnosed with panic disorder assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 1 year

Central Contacts

Arnold A.P. van Emmerik, PhD

CONTACT

0031205258604 A.A.P.vanEmmerik@uva.nl

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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