The effects of d-cycloserine on learning
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of a single-dose of d-cycloserine on the basic effects of cognitive-behaviour therapy for panic disorder - a randomized placebo-controlled trial
IRAS ID
110203
Contact name
Andrea Reinecke
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Eudract number
2012-003191-39
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research summary
Panic disorder is characterised by brief periods of intense and sudden physical symptoms, such as extreme palpitations or dizziness, and is usually accompanied by a fear of death or dying. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective talking treatment, but courses are long and cost-intensive and difficult to access. This study aims to develop an effective novel combination treatment to reduce duration and costs of interventions. To improve efficacy of treatment, it is important to identify how it works. We have recently shown that CBT for panic disorder affects the way in which the brain processes threatening information. Very early on in treatment, patients already process information in a more positive way, and such early changes are related to how well the patient responds to treatment in the longer term. Treatments which boost these early effects on emotional processing may therefore improve the efficacy of treatment for panic disorder. Research in rodents suggests that the antibiotic d-cycloserine (DCS) improves learning and memory by stimulating a mechanism in the brain which plays a core role in our ability to make new connections and retain information. Studies in human patients with anxiety have also shown that DCS augments the effect of classic CBT courses of around 12 sessions on anxiety reduction. This study will establish the potential of single-session CBT in combination with DCS as a stand-alone treatment for panic disorder, and it will determine the basic mechanisms of such an augmentation effect. The findings will have crucial implications for the development of a new and cost-economic treatment with the potential for low-threshold access for a higher number of patients with anxiety disorders.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
12/SC/0686
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jan 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion