Virtual Reality & D-cycloserine (DCS) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2012-12-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

This study proposes to evaluate the effects of D-cycloserine (DCS) combined with Virtual Reality exposure therapy in a sample of patients who developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following either the events of September 11, 2001, or military service in the war in Iraq. In addition, this study hopes to determine whether a common human genetic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a growth factor, brain derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF (Val66Met), predicts treatment response to PTSD.

Overall, this study aims 1) to determine if subjects administered DCS show a significantly larger decrease in symptoms of PTSD as compared to those administered a placebo, 2) to determine if subjects administered DCS show a decrease in PTSD symptomatology significantly earlier (as measured by weeks) than those administered a placebo, 3) to determine if differences in symptomatology are evident at a 6-month follow-up and indicate long-term differences between groups, and 4) to determine if the BDNF SNP predicts treatment response.

• Phase: N/A
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Treatments: Cycloserine

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. English-speaking adults

2. Between the ages of 18 and 70

3. Exposed to the WTC Attacks (were in towers or in the immediate area) or veterans of the Iraq War

4. Diagnosed with PTSD symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of current organic mental disorder

2. Schizophrenia

3. Bipolar disorder

4. Depression with psychotic features

5. Current substance dependence

6. Delusional disorder

7. Active suicidal ideation, intent, or plan

8. Active homicidal ideation, intent, or plan

9. Use of pacemaker

10. Medically unstable

11. Pregnant or lactating

12. A history of severe renal disease

13. History of seizures

14. Currently taking anticoagulants, ethionamide (Trecator-SC) or isoniazid (INH)

15. History of allergic reaction to cycloserine.