Interoceptive Exposure in Panic Disorder (IEPD)
Panic Attacks and Disorders
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Panic Attacks and Disorders focused on measuring aerobic exercise, physical activity, treatment, interoception, exposure therapy.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of PD with or without agoraphobia, based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders number 4 (DSM-IV) criteria; No undergoing medical or other treatments for at least 12 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: Clinically relevant risk of cardiovascular disease (according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire - PAR-Q scale); Practice of regular physical exercise for ≥ 150 minutes per week; History or current substance abuse or dependence; Pregnancy; Breastfeeding; Clinically relevant suicidal ideation or previous suicide attempts.
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Placebo Comparator
Exercise intervention
Placebo
On each training day, the activity started with a 5-minute stretching and warm-up session; then, a 15-minute walk at 65% of the maximum heart rate (MHR), followed by a 30-second run at 85% MHR, and finally another 15-minute walk at 65% MHR. The running time was gradually increased in individualized and supervised sessions. The exercise intensity was predetermined based on the patient's baseline cardiopulmonary function, and the heart rates (HR) were assessed using a Polar RS300X heart rate monitor.
The participants might receive an active pharmacological treatment or a matching placebo