CO2 Reactivity as a Biomarker of Non-Response to Exposure-Based Therapy

Who can take part

• A primary DSM-5 diagnosis of panic disorder (with or without an agoraphobia diagnosis), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-5 (SCID-5)
• A score of 8 or greater on the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS)
• Ages 18 to 70
• Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and comply with the requirements of the study protocol
• Proficiency in English (because assessment instruments have only been validated in English)

Who cannot take part

• Pharmacological treatment started within 8 weeks prior to the screen (patients "stable" on their medication regimen will be included and their medication status will be included as a variable in the model)
• A lifetime history of bipolar or psychotic disorders, substance use disorders (other than nicotine) or eating disorder in the past 6 months; serious cognitive impairment
• Medical conditions contraindicating CO2 inhalation or hyperventilation challenge (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac failure, asthma, lung fibrosis, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or stroke)
• Ongoing psychotherapy directed toward the primary disorder
• Active suicidal ideation with at least some intent to act with or without specific plan (a rating of 4 for suicidal ideation on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) or suicidal behaviors (actual attempt, interrupted attempt, aborted or self-interrupted attempt, or preparatory acts or behavior) within the past 6 months
• Pregnancy or lactation