Disruption of Memory Reconsolidating as a Treatment for Panic Disorder

• Status: Unknown status
• Trial end date: 2019-09-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

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.

• Phase: Phase 2
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: VU University of Amsterdam
• Treatments: Propranolol

Criteria

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