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Sponsored by: |
Emory University |
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Information provided by: | Emory University |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00672776 |
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major public health problem in this country. It is estimated that at least one out of every seven women in our society have been the victim of childhood sexual abuse at least once before their 18th birthday. Previous studies have shown that stress is associated with damage to neurons of the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning and memory. Also, imaging studies of brain function are consistent with dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex during presentation of traumatic cues. We have previously shown that serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (paroxetine; Paxil) can change memory function and hippocampal structure in PTSD. We now propose to perform a placebo controlled study with Paxil CR (paroxetine hydrochloride controlled-release tablets), which is thought as paroxetine with less side-effects. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Paxil CR on memory deficits measured with neuropsychological testing, hippocampal volume measured with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medial prefrontal lobe cortical function estimated with PET, and cortisol response (reflecting the intensity of stress) in men and women with PTSD. We plan to recruit 40 subjects. After completing physical examination and evaluating neuropsychiatric history, patients will undergo an initial group of tests which includes memory testing, MRI and PET brain scan, and measurement of cortisol in their saliva. Afterwards, half will receive Paxil CR 12.5 to 62.5 mg and half will receive a placebo (sugar pill) in the beginning of the first 12 weeks as "Double Blind Phase". After 12 weeks, they will be administered memory tests, PET and MRI scan for the post-treatment phase. After this period, Paxil CR will be offered to the placebo group and followed for an additional 12 weeks. They will have final memory tests, and a MRI scan. We hypothesize that Paxil CR exerts its efficacy by acting on abnormal neural circuits, including hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, in PTSD.
Condition | Intervention | Phase |
---|---|---|
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) |
Drug: paroxetine Drug: placebo |
Phase IV |
Study Type: | Interventional |
Study Design: | Basic Science, Randomized, Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Placebo Control, Parallel Assignment, Pharmacokinetics/Dynamics Study |
Official Title: | Effects of Paxil CR on Neural Circuits in PTSD |
Enrollment: | 40 |
Study Start Date: | May 2003 |
Study Completion Date: | September 2007 |
Primary Completion Date: | September 2007 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure) |
Arms | Assigned Interventions |
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1: Experimental
paroxetine
|
Drug: paroxetine |
2: Placebo Comparator
placebo
|
Drug: placebo |
Ages Eligible for Study: | 18 Years to 50 Years |
Genders Eligible for Study: | Both |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Responsible Party: | Emory University ( James Douglas Bremner MD ) |
Study ID Numbers: | 1098-2002 |
Study First Received: | May 1, 2008 |
Last Updated: | May 5, 2008 |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00672776 |
Health Authority: | United States: Institutional Review Board |
hippocampus paroxetine stress PTSD |
Anxiety Disorders Mental Disorders Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress |
Paroxetine Serotonin Stress Disorders, Traumatic |
Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors Neurotransmitter Agents Disease Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action Physiological Effects of Drugs Psychotropic Drugs Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors |
Pharmacologic Actions Pathologic Processes Serotonin Agents Therapeutic Uses Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation Central Nervous System Agents Antidepressive Agents |