Neurobiological Mechanisms in Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder
About this trial
This is an observational trial for Panic Disorder focused on measuring Panic Disorder, Norepinephrine, Yohimbine, Genes, Pathophysiology, Noradrenergic Mechanisms, PET Imaging, PD, Healthy Volunteer, HV
Eligibility Criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Up to 120 drug-free subjects (ages 18-60) will be selected who additionally meet criteria for one of 3 subgroups: I. PD, current (n=30), as defined by DSM-IV criteria for PD, and still symptomatic as defined by at least 1 panic attack/week or a CGI score of at least 4. In case of co-morbid depression it will be ensured that PD is the primary diagnosis. This means that PD preceded the onset of MDD. These patients will be drug-free for at least 2 weeks prior to being enrolled in the study. II. PD, remitted (n=30), as defined by DSM-IV criteria for PD, and asymptomatic as no longer meeting criteria for PD while being drug-free during the past 6 months. III. Healthy Control Sample. Sixty subjects (ages 18-60) who have not met criteria for any major psychiatric disorder (axis I diagnosis according to DSM-IV). A control subject will be matched to each PD subject for age, gender, menopausal and estrogen replacement status, and handedness. The control subjects will have no known first-degree relatives with any axis I disorder. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Symptomatic PD patients must not have taken any antidepressant or other medications likely to alter monoamine neurochemistry or cerebrovascular and cardiovascular function for at least 2 weeks prior to the challenge studies. Remitted PD patients will be drug-free for at least 6 months prior to enrollment. Subjects will also be excluded if they have: evidence for an axis I psychiatric disorder (DSM-IV criteria) other than panic disorder with/without agoraphobia with/without comorbid depression, medical or neurological illnesses likely to affect physiology or anatomy, i.e. hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, seizures, a history of drug (including BZDs) or alcohol abuse within 1 year or a lifetime history of alcohol or drug dependence (DSM IV criteria), current pregnancy (as documented by pregnancy testing at screening or on the days of the challenge studies), current breast feeding, are smokers, presence of an axis II personality disorder, current treatment with fluoxetine, or history of an adverse reaction associated with the administration of yohimbine. Subjects beyond age 60 are excluded.
Sites / Locations
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike