Respiratory Training in the Treatment of Transdiagnostic Pathological Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Purpose of the Research: The primary aim of the proposed study is to conduct a randomized parallel-group 2-arm clinical trial investigating capnometry-guided respiratory intervention (CGRI) for pathological anxiety. CGRI aims to raise end-tidal CO2 levels thereby lowering hyperventilation-induced respiratory alkalosis and its associated fear-eliciting somatic reactions. Psycho-education about anxiety and its effects (PsyEd) will serve as a credible control comparator.
• Clinically elevated anxiety as indicated by an eight or higher on the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS).
• Meets DSM-5 criteria for one or more of the following anxiety or trauma-related disorders as their primary mental disorder:
‣ Generalized Anxiety Disorder
⁃ Panic Disorder
⁃ Health Anxiety
⁃ Agoraphobia
⁃ Social Anxiety Disorder
⁃ Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
⁃ Acute Stress Disorder
⁃ Adjustment Disorder with primary anxious mood
⁃ Anxiety disorder not otherwise specified
• No current use of psychotropic medications or stable on current medications for at least 6 weeks
• Age 18+.
• Able to arrange transportation to our laboratory for study appointments.
• Fluent in English.