Trial Outcomes & Findings for Cognitive vs. Emotional Psychopharmacological Manipulations of Fear vs. Anxiety (NCT NCT02153944)

NCT ID: NCT02153944

Last Updated: 2023-04-11

Results Overview

The magnitude of the startle reflex during working memory tasks (n-back) while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. The participant holds each stimulus in short-term memory while new stimuli are presented. For each new item presented, the participant's task is to decide if it is the same as the stimulus presented one time before (1Back), two times before (2Back) or three times before (3Back) by responding "yes" if the stimulus currently presented matches the stimulus presented earlier. Participants responded with a button press. The startle reflex was elicited with a 102 decibel (dB) white noise (40-ms duration) delivered via headphone. The eyeblink component of the startle reflex was recorded binaurally with two silver chloride (AgCl) electrodes placed under one eye.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE4

Target enrollment

142 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

20-120 milliseconds following the onset of the startle stimulus

Results posted on

2023-04-11

Participant Flow

14 participants who signed consent did not meet the inclusion criteria so were excluded from study

Total of 142 unique subjects were consented to this protocol. One subject from the Behavioral study also participated in the fMRI: Drug Challenge With Placebo.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
fMRI: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during a single day six hour study visit
fMRI: Drug Challenge With Placebo
Participant received placebo orally during a single day six hour study visit
Behavioral Sub-study
STARTED
20
20
20
0
0
Behavioral Sub-study
COMPLETED
20
20
20
0
0
Behavioral Sub-study
NOT COMPLETED
0
0
0
0
0
fMRI Sub-study
STARTED
0
0
0
34
35
fMRI Sub-study
COMPLETED
0
0
0
34
35
fMRI Sub-study
NOT COMPLETED
0
0
0
0
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Cognitive vs. Emotional Psychopharmacological Manipulations of Fear vs. Anxiety

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
n=20 Participants
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
fMRI: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=34 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
fMRI: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=34 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Total
n=128 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=4 Participants
0 Participants
n=21 Participants
0 Participants
n=8 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
20 Participants
n=5 Participants
20 Participants
n=7 Participants
20 Participants
n=5 Participants
34 Participants
n=4 Participants
34 Participants
n=21 Participants
128 Participants
n=8 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=4 Participants
0 Participants
n=21 Participants
0 Participants
n=8 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
10 Participants
n=5 Participants
10 Participants
n=7 Participants
10 Participants
n=5 Participants
18 Participants
n=4 Participants
18 Participants
n=21 Participants
66 Participants
n=8 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
10 Participants
n=5 Participants
10 Participants
n=7 Participants
10 Participants
n=5 Participants
16 Participants
n=4 Participants
16 Participants
n=21 Participants
62 Participants
n=8 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
2 Participants
n=7 Participants
4 Participants
n=5 Participants
3 Participants
n=4 Participants
10 Participants
n=21 Participants
20 Participants
n=8 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
19 Participants
n=5 Participants
18 Participants
n=7 Participants
16 Participants
n=5 Participants
31 Participants
n=4 Participants
24 Participants
n=21 Participants
108 Participants
n=8 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=4 Participants
0 Participants
n=21 Participants
0 Participants
n=8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=4 Participants
1 Participants
n=21 Participants
1 Participants
n=8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
3 Participants
n=7 Participants
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
8 Participants
n=4 Participants
3 Participants
n=21 Participants
18 Participants
n=8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=4 Participants
0 Participants
n=21 Participants
0 Participants
n=8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
4 Participants
n=5 Participants
5 Participants
n=7 Participants
4 Participants
n=5 Participants
9 Participants
n=4 Participants
10 Participants
n=21 Participants
32 Participants
n=8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
11 Participants
n=5 Participants
11 Participants
n=7 Participants
12 Participants
n=5 Participants
14 Participants
n=4 Participants
15 Participants
n=21 Participants
63 Participants
n=8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
3 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
2 Participants
n=4 Participants
1 Participants
n=21 Participants
6 Participants
n=8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
1 Participants
n=7 Participants
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
1 Participants
n=4 Participants
4 Participants
n=21 Participants
8 Participants
n=8 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 20-120 milliseconds following the onset of the startle stimulus

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the behavioral study arms.

The magnitude of the startle reflex during working memory tasks (n-back) while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. The participant holds each stimulus in short-term memory while new stimuli are presented. For each new item presented, the participant's task is to decide if it is the same as the stimulus presented one time before (1Back), two times before (2Back) or three times before (3Back) by responding "yes" if the stimulus currently presented matches the stimulus presented earlier. Participants responded with a button press. The startle reflex was elicited with a 102 decibel (dB) white noise (40-ms duration) delivered via headphone. The eyeblink component of the startle reflex was recorded binaurally with two silver chloride (AgCl) electrodes placed under one eye.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
n=20 Participants
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Magnitude of Startle Reflex During Safe Condition
1Back
42.2880893 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.556162
42.39801 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.471667
43.61243 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.667329
Magnitude of Startle Reflex During Safe Condition
2Back
44.1886408 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.441141
45.32989 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.65412
44.96692 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.37425
Magnitude of Startle Reflex During Safe Condition
3Back
45.7608354 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.585204
46.63108 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.663525
47.15858 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.531088

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 20-120 milliseconds following the onset of the startle stimulus

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the behavioral study arms.

The magnitude of the startle reflex during working memory tasks (n-back) while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. The participant holds each stimulus in short-term memory while new stimuli are presented. For each new item presented, the participant's task is to decide if it is the same as the stimulus presented one time before (1Back), two times before (2Back) or three times before (3Back) by responding "yes" if the stimulus currently presented matches the stimulus presented earlier. Participants responded with a button press. The startle reflex was elicited with a 102 decibel (dB) white noise (40-ms duration) delivered via headphone. The eyeblink component of the startle reflex was recorded binaurally with two silver chloride (AgCl) electrodes placed under one eye.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
n=20 Participants
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Magnitude of Startle Reflex During Threat Condition
1Back
51.6813833 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.914442
51.79882 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.789383
52.20783 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.835526
Magnitude of Startle Reflex During Threat Condition
2Back
51.0953725 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.714049
51.61492 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.762457
50.13929 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.719978
Magnitude of Startle Reflex During Threat Condition
3Back
52.1700802 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.966944
51.40215 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.875497
50.53474 millivolts (mV)
Standard Error 0.707909

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Task started 90 minutes post drug admin up to max of 125 mins post drug admin (max total is 35 mins) during a 6-hour single day visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the behavioral study arms.

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one, two, or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. The participant holds each stimulus in short-term memory while new stimuli are presented. For each new item presented, the participant's task is to decide if it is the same as the stimulus presented one time before (1Back), two times before (2Back) or three times before (3Back)" by responding "yes" if the stimulus currently presented matches the stimulus presented earlier. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1Back, 2Back, 3Back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
n=20 Participants
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back) - Safe Condition
2Back
0.92585 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.019265
0.8734 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.02145
0.9039 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.018021
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back) - Safe Condition
3Back
0.82115 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.024021
0.792 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.022333
0.8528 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.020582
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back) - Safe Condition
1Back
0.96235 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.006836
0.9285 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.014375
0.94535 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.012417

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: task started 90 minutes post drug admin up to max of 125 mins post drug admin (max total is 35 mins) during a 6-hour single day visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the behavioral study arms.

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one, two, or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. The participant holds each stimulus in short-term memory while new stimuli are presented. For each new item presented, the participant's task is to decide if it is the same as the stimulus presented one time before (1Back), two times before (2Back) or three times before (3Back)" by responding "yes" if the stimulus currently presented matches the stimulus presented earlier. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1Back, 2Back, 3Back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
n=20 Participants
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back) - Threat Condition
1Back
0.9586 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.012115
0.92755 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.011995
0.94445 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.014309
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back) - Threat Condition
2Back
0.88505 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.020467
0.83255 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.024274
0.88275 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.018205
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back) - Threat Condition
3Back
0.8358 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.025528
0.74575 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.025876
0.8152 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.018288

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes post drug admin plus zero seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe).Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1- and 3-back. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Participants indicated whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task included 3 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block represented a given level of difficulty, i.e., 1- and 3-back. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1-back, 3-back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=32 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-Back): Safe Condition - 1BACK - Run 1
0.9565625 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0128155
0.919697 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0155851

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 90 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1- and 3-back. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Participants indicated whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task included 3 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block represented a given level of difficulty, i.e., 1- and 3-back. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1-back, 3-back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=32 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back): Threat Condition - 1BACK - Run 1
0.9228125 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0116936
0.9378788 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0152737

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 180 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1- and 3-back. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Participants indicated whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task included 3 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block represented a given level of difficulty, i.e., 1- and 3-back. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1-back, 3-back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=31 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=32 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back): Safe Condition - 1BACK - Run 2
0.9529032 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0152273
0.953125 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0127193

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 260 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1- and 3-back. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Participants indicated whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task included 3 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block represented a given level of difficulty, i.e., 1- and 3-back. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1-back, 3-back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=31 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=32 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back): Threat Condition - 1BACK - Run 2
0.9435484 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0120353
0.9425 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0123703

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes post drug admin plus 45 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1- and 3-back. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Participants indicated whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task included 3 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block represented a given level of difficulty, i.e., 1- and 3-back. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1-back, 3-back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=32 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back): Safe Condition - 3BACK - Run 1
0.725625 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0199543
0.739697 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0169418

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 135 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1- and 3-back. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Participants indicated whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task included 3 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block represented a given level of difficulty, i.e., 1- and 3-back. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1-back, 3-back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=32 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back): Threat Condition - 3BACK - Run 1
0.73 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0209454
0.7275758 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0173862

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 215 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1- and 3-back. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Participants indicated whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task included 3 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block represented a given level of difficulty, i.e., 1- and 3-back. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1-back, 3-back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=31 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=32 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back): Safe Condition - 3BACK - Run 2
0.7570968 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0203844
0.7428125 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0154713

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 305 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Stimuli were presented one at a time on a screen. Participants were instructed to remember (working memory) one or three stimuli back (N-back) from the current stimulus on the screen while undergoing alternating periods of safety and threat of shock i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe). Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1- and 3-back. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Participants indicated whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task included 3 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block represented a given level of difficulty, i.e., 1- and 3-back. Performance on working memory task (n-back) accuracy was measured across condition (threat and safe) x Load (1-back, 3-back) using repeated measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=31 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=32 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Proportion of Correct Responses in the Working Memory Task (N-back): Threat Condition - 3BACK - Run 2
0.7816129 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0195767
0.7671875 Proportion of correct responses
Standard Error 0.0212949

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes post drug admin plus zero seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Reaction time (RT) is the time it takes to respond to stimuli. Participants RTs were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks (threat) or no shock (safe) during the n-back paradigm task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task was organized in 2 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block (threat or safe) corresponded to 2 tasks, 1- and 3-back tasks. RT was analyzed using condition( threat, safe) x Load (1Back, 3Back) repeated-measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=32 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Reaction Time to Stimuli: Safe Condition - 1BACK - Run 1
743.283125 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 34.2610375
794.7833333 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 25.5496031

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 90 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Reaction time (RT) is the time it takes to respond to stimuli. Participants RTs were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks (threat) or no shock (safe) during the n-back paradigm task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task was organized in 2 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block (threat or safe) corresponded to 2 tasks, 1- and 3-back tasks. RT was analyzed using condition (threat, safe) x Load (1Back, 3Back) repeated-measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=32 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Reaction Time to Stimuli: Threat Condition - 1BACK - Run 1
771.2671875 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 31.1029031
779.1712121 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 26.243248

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 180 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Reaction time (RT) is the time it takes to respond to stimuli. Participants RTs were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks (threat) or no shock (safe) during the n-back paradigm task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task was organized in 2 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block (threat or safe) corresponded to 2 tasks, 1- and 3-back tasks. RT was analyzed using condition (threat, safe) x Load (1Back, 3Back) repeated-measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=31 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=32 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Reaction Time to Stimuli: Safe Condition - 1BACK - Run 2
707.7925806 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 32.3045364
741.5425 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 24.3019917

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 260 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Reaction time (RT) is the time it takes to respond to stimuli. Participants RTs were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks (threat) or no shock (safe) during the n-back paradigm task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task was organized in 2 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block (threat or safe) corresponded to 2 tasks, 1- and 3-back tasks. RT was analyzed using condition (threat, safe) x Load (1Back, 3Back) repeated-measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=31 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=32 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Reaction Time to Stimuli: Threat Condition - 1BACK - Run 2
729.0251613 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 35.0943102
735.5509375 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 18.592916

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes post drug admin plus 45 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Reaction time (RT) is the time it takes to respond to stimuli. Participants RTs were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks (threat) or no shock (safe) during the n-back paradigm task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task was organized in 2 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block (threat or safe) corresponded to 2 tasks, 1- and 3-back tasks. RT was analyzed using condition (threat, safe) x Load (1Back, 3Back) repeated-measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=32 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Reaction Time to Stimuli: Safe Condition - 3BACK - Run 1
976.1853125 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 51.3801064
1007.74 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 42.2557395

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 135 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Reaction time (RT) is the time it takes to respond to stimuli. Participants RTs were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks (threat) or no shock (safe) during the n-back paradigm task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task was organized in 2 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block (threat or safe) corresponded to 2 tasks, 1- and 3-back tasks. RT was analyzed using condition (threat, safe) x Load (1Back, 3Back) repeated-measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=32 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Reaction Time to Stimuli: Threat Condition - 3BACK - Run 1
971.676875 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 54.0569586
995.619697 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 40.0099943

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 215 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Reaction time (RT) is the time it takes to respond to stimuli. Participants RTs were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks (threat) or no shock (safe) during the n-back paradigm task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task was organized in 2 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block (threat or safe) corresponded to 2 tasks, 1- and 3-back tasks. RT was analyzed using condition (threat, safe) x Load (1Back, 3Back) repeated-measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=31 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=32 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Reaction Time to Stimuli: Safe Condition - 3BACK - Run 2
912.6574194 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 57.9059418
915.005625 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 43.335215

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 90 minutes plus 305 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

Reaction time (RT) is the time it takes to respond to stimuli. Participants RTs were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks (threat) or no shock (safe) during the n-back paradigm task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back. The task was organized in 2 runs, 8 blocks per run (4 safe and 4 threat presented alternatively), 18 sequential letters per block. Each block (threat or safe) corresponded to 2 tasks, 1- and 3-back tasks. RT was analyzed using condition (threat, safe) x Load (1Back, 3Back) repeated-measures ANOVA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=31 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=32 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Reaction Time to Stimuli: Threat Condition - 3BACK - Run 2
925.3409677 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 55.550186
929.6796875 milliseconds (ms)
Standard Error 33.7722034

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: started 90 minutes post drug administration plus 90 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

The blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) responses were measured using an fMRI scanner. The cerebral fMRI BOLD uses magnetic fields to measure localized changes in brain blood flow and blood oxygenation in activated regions-of-interest (ROI). Participants BOLD responses were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe) during the n-back task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=29 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=31 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-004 - Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)
-0.1140823 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0200346
-0.151052 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0219622
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-009 - Right Putamen
-0.0501889 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0123786
-0.0848515 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0152059
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-11 - Frontal Pole
-0.0928793 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0380362
-0.0743447 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0233097
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-12 - Right Insula
-0.0349776 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0227349
-0.0830865 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0141616
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-13 - Frontal Pole
-0.1301602 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0242121
-0.1309601 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0221458
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-001 - Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC)
-0.151002 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0183468
-0.2039758 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0234864
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-002 - Right Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
-0.0712797 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0141168
-0.1167484 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0189171
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-003 - Left Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
-0.1331336 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0171501
-0.1876725 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0240544
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-14 - Right Insula
-0.0431302 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0169232
-0.0856204 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0135548

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: started 90 minutes post drug administration plus up to 360 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

The blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) responses were measured using an fMRI scanner. The cerebral fMRI BOLD uses magnetic fields to measure localized changes in brain blood flow and blood oxygenation in activated regions-of-interest (ROI). Participants BOLD responses were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe) during the n-back task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=29 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=31 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-001 - Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC)
-0.1725431 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0203001
-0.1488312 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.027668
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-002 - Right Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
-0.0806112 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0151041
-0.0609964 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0205423
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-003 - Left Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
-0.1557721 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0183071
-0.1297947 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.027029
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-004 - Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)
-0.1201138 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0213735
-0.0940195 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0234725
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-009 - Right Putamen
-0.06733 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0112697
-0.0435053 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.016678
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-11 - Frontal Pole
-0.0929706 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0369173
-0.0173495 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0212833
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-12 - Right Insula
-0.0543121 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0175828
-0.0434811 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0156982
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-13 - Frontal Pole
-0.1420901 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.030675
-0.0822257 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0286209
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 1BACK
Brain Cluster-14-Right Insula
-0.0580487 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0198727
-0.0542862 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.016025

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: started 90 minutes post drug administration plus up to 270 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

The blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) responses were measured using an fMRI scanner. The cerebral fMRI BOLD uses magnetic fields to measure localized changes in brain The blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) responses were measured using an fMRI scanner. The cerebral fMRI BOLD uses magnetic fields to measure localized changes in brain blood flow and blood oxygenation in activated regions-of-interest (ROI). Participants BOLD responses were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe) during the n-back task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=29 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=31 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-001 - Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC)
-0.1255616 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0232653
-0.1256943 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0246892
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-009 - Right Putamen
-0.0716675 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0136668
-0.0560306 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0157124
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-11 - Frontal Pole
-0.0695188 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0305467
0.001909 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0229718
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-12 - Right Insula
-0.0868275 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0233106
-0.0971834 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0209667
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-13 - Frontal Pole
-0.2002039 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0345408
-0.1695771 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.029338
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-14 - Right Insula
-0.0783793 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0201576
-0.0832567 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.014176
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-002 - Right Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
-0.0557781 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0185596
-0.0542905 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0175298
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-003 - Left Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
-0.0797764 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0218839
-0.0719455 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0222242
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Clusters - Safe Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-004 - Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)
-0.1212111 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0251039
-0.1206337 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0215921

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: started 90 minutes post drug administration plus up to 450 seconds within a 6-hour study visit

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

The blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) responses were measured using an fMRI scanner. The cerebral fMRI BOLD uses magnetic fields to measure localized changes in brain blood flow and blood oxygenation in activated regions-of-interest (ROI). Participants BOLD responses were measured while undergoing alternating periods of safety and shock threat conditions i.e. while anticipating unpleasant electric shocks or no shock (safe) during the n-back task. The n-back is a paradigm used to assess working memory function by presenting sequential stimuli individually. Two levels of difficulties were tested: 1Back and 3Back (n-back). Participants were instructed to indicate whether the letter currently displayed was the same as the letter presented 1 or 3 letters back.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=29 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=31 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-001 - Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC)
-0.0884053 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0221989
-0.1575204 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0247188
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-002 - Right Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
-0.0248587 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0197718
-0.0701165 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.017604
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-003 - Left Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
-0.0465762 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0236681
-0.0900214 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0252627
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-004 - Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)
-0.089146 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0262966
-0.1278046 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0225001
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-009 - Right Putamen
-0.0470163 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0185279
-0.0758935 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0144397
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-11 - Frontal Pole
-0.037367 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0342115
-0.022933 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0233522
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-12 - Right Insula
-0.0549414 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.022013
-0.0925233 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0163977
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-13 - Frontal Pole
-0.1711822 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0322707
-0.1896215 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0252413
Measure of BOLD Response in Brain Cluster - Threat Condition - 3BACK
Brain Cluster-14-Right Insula
-0.0592526 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.0219242
-0.0882445 arbitrary units (A.U)
Standard Error 0.014115

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 20 minutes after arrival for study; 80, 100, & 125 minutes post drug administration

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the behavioral study arms.

The level of anxiety was assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. The State Anxiety Scale (S-Anxiety) evaluates the current state of anxiety. The State Anxiety Scale has 20 items. All items are rated on a 4-point scale ranging from "1 = not at all" to "4 = very much so". The scale has a minimum score of 20 and a maximum score of 80. Higher score indicates greater anxiety. State Anxiety score was measured at different time points during the study.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
n=20 Participants
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Measure of Level of Anxiety
20 minutes after arrival for study
26.35 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.322428
25.7 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.267198
27.65 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.231762
Measure of Level of Anxiety
80 minutes post drug administration
25.75 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.303588
25.5 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.272172
28.3 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.181213
Measure of Level of Anxiety
100 minutes post drug administration
36.4 Units on a scale
Standard Error 2.584773
36.2 Units on a scale
Standard Error 2.816867
37.9 Units on a scale
Standard Error 2.407117
Measure of Level of Anxiety
125 minutes post drug administration
34.15 Units on a scale
Standard Error 2.903967
33.25 Units on a scale
Standard Error 2.379601
34.31579 Units on a scale
Standard Error 2.083144

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 20 minutes after arrival for study; 10 minutes & 145 minutes post drug administration

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

The level of anxiety was assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. The State Anxiety Scale (S-Anxiety) evaluates the current state of anxiety. The State Anxiety Scale has 20 items. All items are rated on a 4-point scale ranging from "1 = not at all" to "4 = very much so". The scale has a minimum score of 20 and a maximum score of 80. Higher score indicates greater anxiety. State Anxiety score was measured at different time points during the study.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=34 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=33 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Measure of Level of Anxiety
20 minutes after arrival for study
24.6363636 Units on a scale
Standard Error 0.9260725
23.1818182 Units on a scale
Standard Error 0.6099779
Measure of Level of Anxiety
10 minutes post drug administration
27.2352941 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.2827241
24.2352941 Units on a scale
Standard Error 0.8528643
Measure of Level of Anxiety
145 minutes post drug administration
32.4705882 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.3908507
29.6969697 Units on a scale
Standard Error 1.8512306

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 20 minutes after arrival for study; 80 minutes & 125 minutes post drug administration

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the behavioral study arms.

The heart rate was monitored with two disposable electrodes on the ribcage midway between the waist and the armpit.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
n=20 Participants
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Measure of Heart Rate
20 minutes after arrival for study
72.8 beats/minute
Standard Error 2.342513
74.35 beats/minute
Standard Error 4.290918
66.35 beats/minute
Standard Error 3.887412
Measure of Heart Rate
80 minutes post drug administration
73.6 beats/minute
Standard Error 2.293469
75.1 beats/minute
Standard Error 2.881794
64.6 beats/minute
Standard Error 1.877008
Measure of Heart Rate
125 minutes post drug administration
75.75 beats/minute
Standard Error 3.034777
72.45 beats/minute
Standard Error 2.638256
60.05 beats/minute
Standard Error 1.726687

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 20 minutes after arrival for study; 10 minutes & 145 minutes post drug administration

Population: Analyses included subjects who completed the fMRI study arms and had data for analysis

The heart rate was monitored with two disposable electrodes on the ribcage midway between the waist and the armpit.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=34 Participants
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=34 Participants
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Measure of Heart Rate
20 minutes after arrival for study
79.0294118 beats/minute
Standard Error 1.4233132
77.2941176 beats/minute
Standard Error 1.7900146
Measure of Heart Rate
10 minutes post drug administration
72.1818182 beats/minute
Standard Error 1.4171932
72.6470588 beats/minute
Standard Error 2.2260339
Measure of Heart Rate
145 minutes post drug administration
74.3030303 beats/minute
Standard Error 2.3046745
69.7647059 beats/minute
Standard Error 2.5201713

Adverse Events

Step 1/Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 11 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Step 1/Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 10 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Step 1/Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 12 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Step 2/fMRI: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Step 2/fMRI: Drug Challenge With Placebo

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Step 1/Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=20 participants at risk
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during study visit
Step 1/Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=20 participants at risk
Participant received placebo orally during study visit
Step 1/Behavioral: Drug Challenge With Propranolol
n=20 participants at risk
Participants received propranolol 40mg orally during study visit
Step 2/fMRI: Drug Challenge With Methylphenidate
n=34 participants at risk
Participant received methylphenidate 20 mg orally during a single day six hour study visit
Step 2/fMRI: Drug Challenge With Placebo
n=34 participants at risk
Participant received placebo orally during a single day six hour study visit
Cardiac disorders
Tachycardia
0.00%
0/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/20 • 1 day
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
General disorders
Fatigue
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
20.0%
4/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
General disorders
Hyperhidrosis
15.0%
3/20 • 1 day
10.0%
2/20 • 1 day
10.0%
2/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
General disorders
Irritability
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
Nervous system disorders
Headache
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
10.0%
2/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
Nervous system disorders
Paraesthesia
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
Nervous system disorders
Somnolence
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
40.0%
8/20 • 1 day
30.0%
6/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
Nervous system disorders
Tremor
10.0%
2/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/20 • 1 day
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
Psychiatric disorders
Anxiety
15.0%
3/20 • 1 day
10.0%
2/20 • 1 day
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
Psychiatric disorders
Nervousness
10.0%
2/20 • 1 day
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
5.0%
1/20 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day
0.00%
0/34 • 1 day

Additional Information

Dr Maryland Pao

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Phone: 301-435-5770

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place