PET Imaging of Orbitofrontal Cortex and Amygdala in Panic Disorder after Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Summary : Cindy J. Aaronson, Ph.D. will conduct a more formal study to more fully understand the relationship between amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during panic attacks. Dr. Aaronson will be testing whether PFC activity increases or decreases, in PD patients compared to controls during a doxapram induced panic attack. She will also examine the activation levels of the amygdale, which is linked to PFC activity. The results of her study may establish a possible mechanism of action for successful psychosocial therapy.