Work

Enhancing exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder

Year: 2014

Type: review

Abstract: Translating findings from basic science, several compounds have been identified that may enhance therapeutic outcomes and/or expedite treatment gains when administered alongside exposure-based treatments. Four of these compounds (referred to as cognitive enhancers) have been evaluated in the context of randomized controlled trials for anxiety disorders (e.g., specific phobias, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These cognitive enhancers include D-cycloserine, yohimbine hydrochloride, glucocorticoids and cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. There is consistent evidence that cognitive enhancers can enhance therapeutic outcomes and/or expedite treatment gains across anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Emerging evidence has highlighted the importance of within-session fear habituation and between-session fear learning, which can either enhance fear extinction or reconsolidate of fear responses. Although findings from these trials are promising, there are several considerations that warrant further evaluation prior to widespread use of cognitive enhancers in exposure-based treatments. Consistent trial design and large sample sizes are important in future studies of cognitive enhancers.

Source: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics

DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2014.934677

Authors: Joseph F McGuire, Adam B Lewin, Eric A Storch

Institutions: University of South Florida, Rogers Behavioral Health

Language: English

Topic: Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green