February 9, 2001
School of Medicine researchers are seeking volunteers to participate in a treatment study for panic disorder.
Panic disorder involves sudden attacks of dread, fear, heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, trembling or other sensations. The panic attacks are chronic and recurring, and in between attacks, patients worry about future attacks.
"That anxiety can be as disabling or more disabling than the panic attacks themselves," said Keith E. Isenberg, M.D., principal investigator and associate professor of psychiatry. "Patients who are afraid to fly may have a panic attack when they are supposed to board a plane, but those who truly suffer from panic disorder continue to experience anxiety even without events to trigger attacks."
Panic disorder affects 1.5-3.5 percent of the population. Current treatments include antidepressant drugs and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants can be effective but often must be taken for several weeks before symptoms are eased, and they can cause undesirable side effects. Benzodiazepines provide relatively instantaneous relief, but they can lose effectiveness and can have side effects such as sleepiness, clumsiness and memory problems.
Isenberg is joining researchers across the United States and Canada to test the effectiveness of an investigational drug that is neither a benzodiazepine nor an antidepressant. The researchers hope the investigational drug will remain effective in the long term and have fewer side effects.
To qualify for the study, participants must be age 18 or older and have experienced at least four panic attacks in the last month. They will make nine visits to the doctor over 12 weeks and will undergo a physical exam, routine blood tests, an electrocardiogram and urine tests.
Study medications, physical exams, laboratory tests and doctors' visits will be free. For more information, call Theresa Kormos at 362-1839.
| Medical News |
Washington People |
Calendar | More Campus News |
Campus Watch |
Email Us! |
| Sports | Notables | Record Staff |
Front Page | WU Home Page |