Targeting fear memory by disrupting the process of reconsolidation: A new intervention for panic disorder.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Withdrawn

Sex: Not specified

Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

A primary diagnosis of panic disorder according to DSM-V.

Exclusion Criteria

* other relevant treatment for panic disorder at the time of study - e.g., CBT
* diagnosis of psychosis
* use of psychotropic medication
* A current state of asthma or COPD, which necessitates medication use
* history of respiratory diseases (asthma or COPD in the past does not lead to exclusion)
* history of cardiovascular diseases or irregular heartbeat
* history of cerebrovascular diseases
* history of severe allergic reactions to propranolol, which necessitated hospitalisation
* cerebral aneurysm among first-degree relatives
* Heart rate < 60. If heart rate is between 55 and 60 bpm, but exceeds 60 bpm after a minute of moderate physical activity (2-step test), the participant can be included. A heart rate of <50 in participants who spend 7 hours or more per week engaged in physical exercise will be the resting heart rate limit. A heart rate of <50 will lead to immediate exclusion (no 2-step test).
* BP < 100/60 or BP > 180/100
* epilepsy
* any medication contra-indicative of the use of propranolol
* pregnancy

Study & Design

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
<p>Individual scores on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale.<br /><br>Presence of panic disorder according to DSM V criteria</p><br>

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
<p>Individual scores on the Panic Appraisal Inventory, Mobility Inventory, Body<br /><br>Sensations Questionnaire, and Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire will be used<br /><br>as secondary study parameters. In addition, willingness to inhale 35% CO2 is<br /><br>used as a secondary study parameter.</p><br>