Effects of caffeine on anxiety and decision-making in healthy individuals and those with panic disorder

Adenosine Receptors from Genes to Behavior: Neurobehavioral Correlates of Caffeine on Anxiety, Avoidance, Decision-Making and Interoception in Healthy Individuals and Panic Disorder.

Not applicable Interventional Uppsala University · NCT06145490

This study is testing how caffeine affects anxiety and decision-making in people with panic disorder compared to those without it.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUppsala University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Lund and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06145490 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of caffeine compared to a placebo on emotional reactivity, decision-making, and interoception in individuals with panic disorder and healthy controls. It employs a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized cross-over design, utilizing multimodal neuroimaging techniques such as structural and functional MRI. Participants will undergo various experimental tasks while their physiological responses and subjective anxiety levels are measured. The study aims to explore differences in responses between the two groups and assess the impact of caffeine on panic disorder symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with panic disorder and healthy individuals with no history of psychiatric disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders, ongoing psychotropic medication, or those with high caffeine consumption may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how caffeine affects anxiety and decision-making, potentially leading to better management strategies for panic disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the study explores a novel approach, previous research has indicated varying effects of caffeine on anxiety, suggesting potential for meaningful findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Panic Disorder group (PD): Primary diagnosis of Panic Disorder.
* Healthy control group (HCs): No current or history of psychiatric disorders.
* All participants (PD and HCs): Weekly caffeine consumption ≤ 300 mg.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Weekly caffeine consumption ≥ 300 mg.
* Thoracic or head surgery, or any other surgery or metallic implanted devices not compatible with the safety standards for 7T MR scanner.
* History of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia).
* Somatic or neurological conditions (e.g., hypertension and heart condition).
* Ongoing treatment with psychotropic medication or treatment with psychotropic medication which has been discontinued within 2 months.
* Other ongoing treatments that may confound the results.
* Current drug or alcohol abuse/dependency.
* Habitual nicotine use.
* Uncorrected visual or hearing impairment.
* Pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

Lund and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Panic DisorderHealthy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.