Anxiety Trials at Stanford & PAVA
Palo Alto VA Anxiety Trials
Treatment of Panic Disorder Using CO2 Biofeedback-Assisted Breathing Therapy
This 5 week drug-free study will compare two types of breathing regulation techniques to determine which is more effective in reducing panic symptoms in people with Panic Disorder. Participants will have 5 free sessions of breathing training in which they will learn specific breathing techniques at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital. In addition, there are 3 assessments designed to track patients’ progress before and after the therapy.
We are seeking individuals age 18-65 who currently experience unexpected panic attacks. If you would like more information or you have a referral, call (650)-493-5000 ext. 66984 or e-mail songjy@stanford.edu.
Treatment of Anxiety Attacks Using CO2 Biofeedback-Assisted Breathing Therapy
Uncomfortable physical sensations are often experienced during anxiety attacks and can often make the anxiety worse. We aim to teach participants how to control their anxiety and/or panic attacks in a drug-free way by controlling the physical symptoms that accompany these attacks. We provide 5 free sessions of breathing training therapy at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital. Inaddition, there are 3 assessments designed to track patients’ progress before and after the therapy.
We are seeking individuals age 18-65 who currently experience anxiety attacks. If you would like more information or you have a referral, call(650)-493-5000 ext. 65242 or e-mail Pearl.Chang@va.gov.
Comparison of an alpha 2-agonist (Guanfacine) and Placebo in the Treatment of Patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
A multi-site study in the VISN 21 network(Fresno, Honolulu, San Francisco,and PAD/MPD). We will be recruiting male and female veterans age 20-60 withchronic PTSD who are not on an effective medication. Contact: Jonathan Newman(650) 493-5000 ext 23348.
Sub studies to this multicenter trial include:
- Imaging component investigating changes in the HPA axis(hypothalamic-pituitary axis) and hippocampal volume included in this multi-siteinvestigation.
- Genetic analysis of the ApoE and serotonin transporter genes to enumeratethe relationship between these genotypes and treatment response.
Sertraline in the Treatment of Panic Disorder
This 12-week open-label study of Sertraline (Zoloft) to assess whetherpharmacological treatment alters adrenal activation during a panic attacks and whether the level predicts treatment outcome. Before and during the study cortisol levels and epinephrine secretions will be obtained. Currently recruiting males and females, over 60 with a primary diagnosis of Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia). Contact Dr. Sara Gandy (650)493-5000 x22211.
Pagoclone in the Treatment of Panic Disorder:
This is a 10-week, double blind, placebo controlled multi site study for Pagoclone in the treatment of Panic Disorder (PD). We are looking for patients 18 and over with primary diagnoses of PD, excluding those with G.A.D, current primary depression, social phobia or OCD. Contact: Jonathan Newman (650) 493-5000 ext 23348
Pregabalin in Eldery Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
This is an 10-week, double blind, placebo controlled multi-site study of Pregabalin in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in the elderly. We are looking for patients age 65 and older with a diagnois of GAD, excluding demented and amnestic patients or patients with current primary MDE, social anxiety disorder or PD. Contact: Helena Young (650) 493-5000 ext 22395
Other Ongoing Grants/Research Projects:
- Interventions for Aggression and Agitation in Dementia Patients
- Comparative Treatment of Panic Disorder in Older Adults
- Depression in Primary Care
- Mixed Anxiety and Depression in Older Adults
- PTSD and Older Adults
Stanford Anxiety Trials
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Social Anxiety Disorder
We are offering 16 sessions of Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Group Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to people with primary generalized social anxiety disorder. Eligible participants are expected to do behavioral and fMRI assessments pre and post therapy and commit to a year of follow-up contact.
We are seeking English fluent, right handed, age 21-55 individuals who are able to commute to Stanford University for therapy and assessments. Study participants need to refrain from mood/anxiety medication and additional psychotherapy during the study treatment. Additionally, for the fMRI scan, participants need to be off of cardiovascular medication, have no metal in body, and be under 255 lbs.
If you are interested in participating, please view our website (http://www-psych.stanford.edu/~caan/) and call (650-723-5977) or email us ( caan@psych.stanford.edu ).
Venlafaxine in Adult Generalized Anxiety
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Comparison of Venlafaxine Extended Release Capsules and Paroxetine in Adult Outpatients with Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder
- adults 18 year old and older
- treatment with Effexor ER, Paxil or placebo
- 13 one hour visits at Stanford over 15 weeks
- participants will receive physical exams/EKG/labs psychiatric evaluations, and study medications free of charge.
- recruitment will last for one and a half years.
- sponsored by Wyeth-Ayerst Research.
Venlafaxine in Adolescent Social Anxiety
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Flexible-Dose Study of Venlafaxine ER in Adolescent (12-18 years old) Outpatients with Social Anxiety Disorder
- children ages 12 to 18 years old
- treatment with Effexor ER or placebo
- 11 one hour visits at Stanford over 16 weeks
- participants will receive physical exams/EKG/labs psychiatric evaluations, and study medication free of charge.
- recruitment will last for one and a half years.
- sponsored by Wyeth-Ayerst Research
Social Anxiety in Children & Adolescents
A 16 Week Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Tolerability of Paroxetine in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents (Children 8-18 years old) with Social Anxiety Disorder /Social Phobia
- children ages 8-18 years old
- treatment with Paxil or Placebo
- 11 one hour visits at Stanford over 16 weeks
- participants will receive physical exams/EKG/labs/ psychiatric evaluations, and study medication all free of charge.
- participants will be paid a small stipend.
- recruitment will last for one year.
- sponsored by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals
The above trials carry the follow exclusion criteria:
- exclusions: concurrent CBT
- major medical conditions
- co-morbid psychiatric conditions requiring medication
- pregnancy/lactation
- history of drug allergies
- current substance dependence or abuse
- suicidality
- inability to come to Stanford University during business hours on a weekly basis.
- For further information, please call Research Coordinator, Holly Thompson at (650) 725-5584 or email at: hollybt@stanford.edu
For further information regarding your rights as a participant, please call (650) 723-5244 or toll free at 1-866-680-2906, or write the Stanford IRB, Administrative Panels Office, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5401.

