D-Cycloserine-Enhancer of One-Session Treatment for Phobia of Heights

This is an interventional treatment trial for Height Phobia focused on measuring acrophobia, virtual reality, exposure therapy, In Vivo Exposure Therapy plus D-Cycloserine, In Vivo Exposure Therapy plus Placebo, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy plus D-Cycloserine, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy plus Placebo, Wait-List Read More

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Men and women
• Diagnosis of acrophobia based on a clinical interview (ADIS-IV)
• Must sign an informed consent document after complete explanation of the study documenting that they understand the purpose of the study, procedures to be undertaken, possible benefits, potential risks, and are willing to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A lifetime history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, delusional disorders; organic brain syndrome, cognitive dysfunction that could interfere with capacity to engage in therapy;
• A history of substance or alcohol dependence (other than nicotine) in the last 6 months or otherwise unable to commit to refraining from alcohol use during the period of study participation.
• Patients with significant suicidal ideation or who have enacted suicidal behaviors within 6 months prior to intake will be excluded from study participation and referred for appropriate services.
• Patients must be off concurrent anxiolytics and beta blockers and on a stable dose of antidepressant medication for at least 3 weeks prior to initiation of randomized treatment.
• Patients receiving medication that might interfere with study medication (medication that might lower seizure threshold: meperidine or antibiotics in high dosage: penicillins, cephalosporins, amphotericin and imipenem),
• Patients with a current or past history of seizures
• Pregnant women, lactating women, and women of childbearing potential who are not using medically accepted effective methods of contraception or abstinence
• Patients with a history of renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min) or liver insufficiency
• Any concurrent psychotherapy initiated within 3 months of baseline, or ongoing psychotherapy of any duration specifically targeting phobias
• Patients unable to understand study procedures and participate in the informed consent process.
• Other serious medical illnesses (e.g., cardiovascular, liver, kidney, respiratory, endocrine, neurologic, or blood-related diseases),
• Inability to tolerate wearing the Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display,
• If patients refuse the study medication
• Any allergic reactions to D-Cycloserine by history