CompletedInterventional

Feasibility study examining the efficacy of brief cognitive therapy for the treatment of panic disorder in adolescents (PANDA)

Panic disorder causes sudden, overwhelming rushes of fear along with physical symptoms like a pounding heart, dizziness, and shortness of breath. People often start avoiding everyday places because they worry about having another attack. While talking therapies work well for adults, there is less evidence on the best way to help teenagers. The PANDA study, based at the University of Reading, is testing whether a short version of cognitive therapy can help young people aged 11 to 18. Participants are placed into one of two groups to receive either brief cognitive therapy or a standard treatment called graded exposure. Both involve five one-to-one sessions with a trained therapist, with up to two booster sessions. Researchers want to see if this treatment is practical and helpful before running a larger nationwide trial.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Reading

Enrolment target

Start

17 Oct 2019

Estimated completion

17 Nov 2021

Panic Disorder

What is this study about?

Panic attacks can feel terrifying. During an attack, your heart might pound, you might feel dizzy or struggle to breathe, and you may worry that something terrible is happening to your body. When someone has panic disorder, these attacks happen out of the blue, leading them to avoid everyday activities, school, or social situations in case another attack strikes. Around one in a hundred teenagers experience this, but young people are often left out of clinical trials, meaning NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) have limited guidance on how to treat them.

This study, called PANDA, aims to change that. Researchers at the University of Reading are testing a short course of Cognitive Therapy (CT). This type of talking therapy helps people understand the links between their thoughts, physical feelings, and actions. It teaches young people that panic symptoms, while unpleasant, are not dangerous. The study compares this brief therapy against the standard treatment usually offered, called graded exposure, which helps people slowly face their fears.

Because this is a 'feasibility' study, the main goal is to find out if this short therapy can be delivered smoothly, whether young people find it helpful, and if it is good value for the NHS. The results will help the researchers plan a much bigger national trial in the future, ultimately improving mental health care for teenagers across the UK.

Key takeaways

Open to teenagers aged 11 to 18 who experience panic attacks.
Tests a short talking therapy against standard NHS exposure therapy.
Involves 5 one-to-one sessions with a specialist therapist, plus up to 2 booster sessions.
No medications are used as part of the study.
Takes place at the University of Reading's research clinic.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for young people aged 11 to 18 who have been diagnosed with panic disorder and have had at least one panic attack in the month before joining. You must be willing to attend one-to-one talking therapy sessions and accept being placed into either of the two therapy groups by chance.

To ensure the study results are clear, participants cannot be taking psychiatric medications (such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety tablets). If you are currently taking these, you must be willing to stop taking them safely under the supervision of your GP before the trial starts, with a required waiting period to let the medicine leave your system.

If you have other ongoing health conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, or heart problems, your GP must confirm that these conditions will not interfere with you taking part in talking therapy.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 11 and 18 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with panic disorder?
Have you had at least one panic attack in the past month?
Are you willing to do talking therapy without taking anxiety or antidepressant medications?
Can you travel to the research clinic at the University of Reading?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part starts with an assessment at the AnDY Research Clinic at the University of Reading to make sure the study is a good match for you. If you join, a computer will place you at random into one of two groups: one receives brief cognitive therapy, and the other receives graded exposure therapy.

Both treatments involve five one-to-one sessions with an expert therapist, plus up to two extra 'booster' sessions if needed. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires about your thoughts, feelings, and how you cope with panic. There is a follow-up check three months after your therapy ends to see how you are doing. The study does not involve any medication, and the total time from your first assessment to your final follow-up is roughly four to five months.

Potential risks and benefits

A key benefit of taking part is receiving focused, one-to-one care from clinicians who have specialist training and extra supervision. Your involvement will also help improve mental health support for other young people in the future. The main risk is that talking about panic attacks and difficult feelings can sometimes feel uncomfortable or upsetting. The research team is very experienced and will support you throughout. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you or your parents can decide to stop at any time without giving a reason and without it affecting your normal NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

AnDY Research Unit
City only
Reading, England

Common questions

What is the difference between a panic attack and panic disorder?

A panic attack is a single, sudden episode of intense fear and physical symptoms. Panic disorder means you have repeated, unexpected attacks and spend a lot of time worrying about when the next one will happen.

Can I pick which therapy I receive?

No. A computer assigns you to a group by chance. This is done so researchers can fairly compare the two treatments to see which one works better.

Do I have to pay anything to take part?

No. All assessments and therapy sessions provided through the research study are completely free.

What happens if I feel too anxious during a session?

The therapists understand panic and are there to support you. You can take breaks whenever you need to, and you will never be forced to do anything you do not want to do.

Can my parent or carer come with me?

Yes. Parents and carers are invited to the assessment stages and are encouraged to support you throughout the process.

How to find out more

Polly Waite

p.waite@reading.ac.uk +44 (0)1183788523 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.