Panic Panic disorder
Conditions
Interventions
This study uses a fear generalization procedure consisting of three phases:
pre-acquisition, fear acquisition, and a generalization test. In the
pre-acquisition phase participants will see a small a
GSs).
Fear responses will be measured primarily by measuring startle responses, via
electromyography (EMG), to a loud noise during the CS and GS presentations.
Additionally, risk ratings as well as
Sponsors
Universiteit Utrecht
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Comparison subjects have to be free of any current or past axis I psychopathology as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR, Patient Edition (SCID; American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Participants in the experimental condition have to be free from current major depressive disorder, a current or past history of bipolar depression, psychosis and delusional disorders, and they must be diagnosed with a panic disorder. All participants should be between 18 and 65 years old and should be capable of making a reasoned review of their interest with regard to the research, i.e. giving informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: A history of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence (other than nicotine) within 6 months before study start; current (possible) pregnancy; cardiovascular problems or disease; trouble seeing (unless corrected by glasses or contact lenses); trouble hearing (unless corrected by hearing aids); an electrical implant (such as a pacemaker, ICD or neurostimulator).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Electromyography (EMG) responses and reported risk ratings for each CS and GS. Online risk ratings and reaction time for the risk ratings. Both electromyograph responses and risk ratings will be used to test between-group differences in the course of learning. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| A self-report of anxiety levels after the main experiment will be used for testing between group differences. The Panic Disorder Severity Scale (Shear et al. 1997), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger et al. 1983) and Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al. 1996) will be used to test for between group differences before the beginning of the study. | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed