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Exosomal microRNAs as a Biomarker in Panic Disorder and in Response to CBT
Sponsor: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Summary
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has long been known as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, either when given by a therapist or when self-administered through a computer program. However, the biological effect of CBT remained largely unexplored. Most studies focused on genomic differences and pursued differences in methylation patterns following CBT, but the findings were very limited in scope, especially when comparing responders and non-responders to CBT. In the currently proposed study, the investigators plan to go one step further and look for changes in exosomal microRNAs (miRs) from serum samples taken before and after CBT from Panic Disorder (PD) patients. Notably, miR changes show a much faster biological response than methylation patterns yet had never been used before in PD research. The primary benefit of this work will be in providing biological validation to psychological treatments. PD is a heavy public health burden, associated with significant market potential for both therapeutic and diagnostic uses.
Official title: Searching for Exosomal microRNAs and Cellular Biomarkers and Mechanisms Underlying the Differences Between Panic Disorder Patients Who Are Responders and Non-responders to Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
52
Start Date
2019-05-19
Completion Date
2023-04-23
Last Updated
2026-10-20
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
CBT- both internet and face to face
There are a few common psychotherapies for treating PD, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the most common. The most known type of CBT for treating PD consists of two major strategies: cognitive restructuring, and interoceptive and structured exposure to bodily sensations that have become associated with panic attacks (D H Barlow, 1997). The ICBT therapy is based on Barlow and Craske's (2007) protocol for treating PD with elaborations (Huppert \& Baker-Morissette, 2003). It includes six modules containing psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, exposures, acceptance, and consolidation of gains and relapse prevention. The online modules include reading passages, worksheets, videos, and homework assignments. After completing each module, participants practice related skills and complete homework assignments. The treatment is up to 16 weeks long; participants are encouraged to complete the treatment within this time period, and reminders are sent to monitor their progress.
No intervention
Healthy controls will not receive any intervention.
Locations (1)
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel, Israel