Anxiety Disorders Center:  Research for Panic Disorder

The Anxiety Disorders Center at Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living is conducting research on a new way to treat panic disorder. The study is open to adults, ages 18-65, who have panic disorder. Participants in this ongoing study will receive free Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments for panic disorder. This study examines whether an FDA approved antibiotic medication, D-Cycloserine, will improve how well CBT works given in low dosages one hour before each therapy session. Previous, smaller studies have shown that D-Cycloserine may increase people’s ability to remember and use the strategies learned in therapy and thus may enhance the therapy process. Participants in this treatment study are randomly assigned (like a coin toss) to receive either the D-Cycloserine medication or a placebo pill (sugar pill) in addition to CBT. In this study we will also examine genetic markers that may be associated with panic disorder. A small blood sample will be drawn from each participant to use for this testing. The information from this sample, as well as the treatment, will be kept confidential.

For more information, please contact:
(860) 545-7039
adcresearch@harthosp.org