NCT00168506

Panic Disorder and Cardiac Risk

Panic Disorder and Cardiac Risk: Evaluation of a Psychological Treatment Which Addresses Biology, Psychology and Behaviour

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (planned)
• Sponsor: Baker Heart Research Institute · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The reason for increased cardiac mortality in panic disorder has not been precisely identified, but possibly is due to chronic activation of the cardiac stimulant (sympathetic) nerves, which may predispose the individual with panic disorder to disorders of cardiac rhythm and coronary artery spasm. The uniqueness of this study lies in its comprehensive evaluation of a psychobiological approach to the treatment of panic disorder using change in biological, behavioural and psychological variables as criteria for efficacy. 50 patients aged between 18 and 60 years will be recruited; both males and females. They will be treated with either cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) antidepressants or a combination of both. This project will firstly compare individuals with panic disorder who demonstrate abnormal brain transmitter (noradrenaline, serotonin) with those who demonstrate normal activity of these neurotransmitters, on interoceptive accuracy for changes in sympathetic nervous system arousal. It is predicted that individuals who demonstrate abnormal activity of these neurotransmitters will also demonstrate enhanced interoceptive ability to detect changes in arousal levels. Secondly, this project will evaluate the effects of a psychobiological treatment approach to panic disorder involving a combination of CBT and SSRI. This approach will be compared to the effects of both these interventions alone on a comprehensive array of measures related to panic disorder. It is predicted that the combined approach will be the most effective intervention on behavioural, psychological and biological variables, and cardiac risk. We will also be able to assess whether changes in panic disorder severity are associated with changes in interoceptive accuracy.

Conditions

• Panic Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	SSRI
DRUG	CBT
DRUG	CBT/SSRI

Timeline

• Start date: 2002-06-01
• Completion: 2008-12-01
• First posted: 2005-09-15
• Last updated: 2007-04-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Australia