Examining heart and brain function in people with anxiety
BreathinG-induced Myocardial and Cerebral Perfusion in Anxiety Disorders (B-GLAD)
This study is testing how generalized anxiety disorder affects heart and brain function in people aged 18-55 by using a special MRI, and it will also check if therapy makes a difference for some participants.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montréal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT05574140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates how generalized anxiety disorder affects heart and brain function using a new type of MRI called Oxygenation-Sensitive Cardiac MRI (OS-CMR). Participants aged 18-55 with anxiety will undergo MRI scans to measure variations in perfusion compared to healthy volunteers. Additionally, a subgroup of participants receiving cognitive behavioral therapy will have follow-up scans to assess any changes in their OS-CMR data. The study aims to provide insights into the physiological impacts of anxiety disorders.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-55 diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and healthy volunteers without significant medical conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory conditions, or those with contraindications for MRI, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the physiological effects of anxiety, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of OS-CMR is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the physiological effects of mental health conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patient population: Age 18-55, * Confirmation of an anxiety disorder as identified by the PSWQ, * No known, current or history, of significant medical conditions that may affect or directly involve the neurological, cardiovascular or respiratory system (except anxiety and depression) * Non-smoker Healthy Volunteers: * Age 18-55 * No known, current or history, of significant medical conditions that may affect or directly involve the neurological, cardiovascular or respiratory system * Non-smoker Exclusion Criteria: * General MRI contraindications: pacemakers, defibrillating wires, implanted defibrillators, intracranial aneurysm clips, metallic foreign bodies in the eyes, pregnancy * History of significant neurological disease or illness that is not anxiety (e.g. Dementia, stroke) * Hemodynamically unstable conditions * Significant or uncontrolled arrhythmias * Severe pulmonary disease * Recent (\<90 days) myocardial infarction * Recent (\<90 days) surgery or coronary intervention * Consumption of caffeine (caffeinated beverages, coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate) within 12h of the exam * Use of benzodiazepines or other short-acting anxiety medications (\<1 day)
Where this trial is running
Montréal, Quebec
- Emotional Health CBT Clinic — Montréal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mayssa Moukarzel
- Email: mayssa.moukarzel@mail.mcgill.ca
- Phone: (514) 5530-7385
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.