Respiratory Training in the Treatment of Transdiagnostic Pathological Anxiety

Summary

Purpose of the Research: The primary aim of the proposed study is to conduct a randomized parallel-group 2-arm clinical trial investigating capnometry-guided respiratory intervention (CGRI) for pathological anxiety. CGRI aims to raise end-tidal CO2 levels thereby lowering hyperventilation-induced respiratory alkalosis and its associated fear-eliciting somatic reactions. Psycho-education about anxiety and its effects (PsyEd) will serve as a credible control comparator.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Clinically elevated anxiety as indicated by an eight or higher on the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS).
2. Meets DSM-5 criteria for one or more of the following anxiety or trauma-related disorders as their "primary" mental disorder:

   * Generalized Anxiety Disorder
   * Panic Disorder
   * Health Anxiety
   * Agoraphobia
   * Social Anxiety Disorder
   * Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
   * Acute Stress Disorder
   * Adjustment Disorder with primary anxious mood
   * Anxiety disorder not otherwise specified
3. No current use of psychotropic medications or stable on current medications for at least 6 weeks
4. Age 18+.
5. Able to arrange transportation to our laboratory for study appointments.
6. Fluent in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No history of medical conditions that would contraindicate participation in fear-provocation or respiratory challenges, including:

   * Cardiovascular or respiratory disorders
   * High blood pressure
   * Epilepsy
   * Strokes
   * Seizures
   * History of fainting
   * Pregnant or lactating
2. Not currently receiving other psychological treatment for anxiety.
3. No history of a suicide attempt within the past 6 months.
4. No history of psychosis within the past 6 months.
5. No history of moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorder (with the exception of nicotine) within the past 3 months.
6. Does not endorse COVID-19 symptoms during the screening phase.

Conditions11

Locations1 site

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