The purpose of this research study is to determine whether taking a one-time dose of a combination of putatively learning-enhancing medications can improve treatment response to a brief learning-based psychotherapy for public speaking anxiety. The two medications are (1) d-cycloserine (DCS), a medication that is an agonist (facilitator) of the NMDA glutamatergic receptor and has been shown in previous studies to facilitate some kinds of learning and memory; and (2) mifepristone, a medication that blocks cortisol, and in preclinical (animal) studies has been shown to reverse certain kinds of stress-related learning impairment or negative learning.
Specifically, the investigators goal is to determine if DCS and mifepristone taken together augment the learning that occurs during a brief psychotherapy session---a public speaking exposure exercise. Evidence for this learning effect would be a finding that participants have reduced anxiety at subsequent public speaking exposures.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 55 Years
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
For Potential Participants suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia:
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male
* at least 18 years old
* current diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia
* fear of public speaking
* medically stable and in good health
* if currently taking antidepressant treatment, must be on a stable dose for at least 8 weeks
* Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale score of at least 30
Exclusion Criteria:
* Female
* inability to provide informed consent
* current or lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder or eating disorder
* current substance abuse or dependence within the last 6 months
* any cognitive, sensory, or communication problem that would prevent completion of the study
* severe mental health symptoms that require immediate treatment (i.e. active suicidality)
* current use of medication for diagnosis of one or more of the following: seizure disorder, kidney disease, liver disease
* current cancer (or history of metastatic cancer)
* current or recent use (within past 3 months) of systemic corticosteroids
* diabetic individuals
* untreated or unstable endocrinologic disease (i.e. hyperthyroidism)
* lifetime history of Cushing's disease or Addison's disease
For Control Group:
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male
* at least 18 years old
* no current diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia
* reports no fear of public speaking
* Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale score below or equal to 29
Exclusion Criteria:
* Female
* in…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Will measure medication tolerability and safety per participant report (i.e. few or no side effects severe enough to stop treatment)
Timeframe: End of Session 2--(7-10 days after Session 1)