Effectiveness of Prazosin in Bulimic Patients Experiencing Nightmares Due to PTSD

Sponsor
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Other)
Overall Status
Completed
CT.gov ID
NCT02382848
Collaborator
(none)
9
1
2
32.3
0.3

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

This research is being done to find out how effective Prazosin is in the treatment of bulimic patients experiencing distressing nightmares using subjective and objective measures.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
N/A

Detailed Description

To the investigators knowledge, there is no treatment trial for prazosin use in patients with bulimia nervosa struggling with nightmares, looking at either objective or subjective measures. The investigators plan to probe the effectiveness of prazosin in bulimic patients experiencing nightmares due to PTSD using both subjective and objective measures in order to improve future clinical care. The effects of prazosin on decreasing nightmares and bulimic symptoms on subjective scales and effects on sleep architecture using objective polysomnogram (PSG) measurements will help inform targeted psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic strategies to improve clinical care of bulimic patients struggling with distressing dreams secondary to PTSD. This study will be performed in two phases. Phase A will involve eight participants who will be tested using subjective scales (mentioned below). If Phase A data analysis leads to detection of a signal of efficacy 2 more participants will be recruited to participate in phase B of this trial using objective polysomnogram measurements. The results from this project will aid in establishing a fully powered clinical trial for treatment of nightmares in bulimic patients and improve outcomes in this high risk population.

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
9 participants
Allocation:
Randomized
Intervention Model:
Crossover Assignment
Masking:
Double (Participant, Investigator)
Primary Purpose:
Treatment
Official Title:
Effectiveness of Prazosin in Bulimic Patients Experiencing Nightmares Due to PTSD
Study Start Date :
Jul 1, 2015
Actual Primary Completion Date :
Mar 9, 2018
Actual Study Completion Date :
Mar 9, 2018

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Active Comparator: Prazosin, Then Placebo

Participants first received Prazosin. A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. After a washout period, they then receive Placebo

Drug: Prazosin
A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily.

Drug: Placebo
Prazosin-matched placebo pill

Placebo Comparator: Placebo, Then Prazosin

Participants first received Placebo (matching Prazosin) for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. After a washout period, they then received Prazosin. The starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 5 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily.

Drug: Prazosin
A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 5 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily.

Drug: Placebo
Prazosin-matched placebo pill

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

  1. Decrease in Frequency of Nightmares Using the Sleep-50 Questionnaire [3 weeks]

    The individual question about frightening dreams from the Nightmares Subscale of a self-administered questionnaire (Sleep-50 Questionnaire), will be used to determine if there is a decrease in frequency of nightmares in patients undergoing drug intervention. For each question, respondents are provided with a scale ranging from 1 ("not at all") to 4 ("very much") and are asked to indicate the extent to which the statement has matched their experience over the study time frame. The scale values range from 1-4, where a lower value indicates lower frequency of nightmares. A higher score is a worse outcome.

  2. Decrease in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Density & Normalization of REM Disruptions [3 weeks]

    PSG (Polysomnogram) will be used in 2 participants to determine if there is a decrease in REM density in patients undergoing drug intervention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

  1. Decrease in Bulimia Symptoms [3 weeks]

    EDI-3 (Eating Disorder Inventory 3 Scale) is a pencil and paper test consisting of 91 items and 12 sub-scales. The main scales are the drive for thinness and the bulimia scales, the remaining sub-scales are: low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, maturity fears, personal alienation, interpersonal alienation, interpersonal insecurity, perfectionism, interoceptive deficits, emotional dysregulation, and asceticism. The response options are based on a 6-point Likert-type scale are: Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Rarely, and Never. There are six composite scores, 12 primary scores, and three response style validity indicators. Software is used to calculate the raw scores, composite scores, validity scale scores and the T-scores. The t-score for the Bulimia scale will be used for this analysis with a range of 22-66. Higher scores indicate the likelihood of an eating disorder. A higher t-score on the bulimia scale indicates a worse outcome.

  2. Decrease in Total CAPS Score (PTSD) [3 weeks]

    The CAPS (Clinician administered PTSD) rating scale consists of 30 questions rated on a 0-4 point scoring system and patient interview will be used to determine if there is a decrease in PTSD Symptoms among participants undergoing drug intervention. 17 of these questions are used to calculate the total severity score used in this analysis. This is done by summing the frequency and intensity ratings (each ranging from 0-4) for each of the 17 questions. The total severity score can have a range of 0-136. A higher score on this scale indicates a worse outcome.

  3. Decrease in Depressed Mood as Measured by the HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and Subject Interview [3 weeks]

    Rating scales and subject interview will be used to determine if there is a decrease in depressed mood among participants undergoing drug intervention. The HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) consists of 17 items, some scored on a 5-point scale (0-4) and others scored on a 3-point scale (0-2). Items from the scale can be summed to give a total score ranging from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome. This analysis is based on a single item from the scale (Depressed Mood, measured on a 5-point scale) where a higher score again indicates a worse outcome.

  4. Decrease in Self Harm Thoughts as Measured by the HDRS and Subject Interview [3 weeks]

    Rating scales and subject interview will be used to determine if there is a decrease in self harm among participants undergoing drug intervention. The HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) consists of 17 items, some scored on a 5-point scale (0-4) and others scored on a 3-point scale (0-2). Items from the scale can be summed to give a total score ranging from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome. This analysis is based on a single item from the scale (Self Harm, measured on a 5-point scale) where a higher score again indicates a worse outcome.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study:
18 Years to 45 Years
Sexes Eligible for Study:
Female
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
No
Inclusion Criteria:
  • Age 18-45

  • Clinical diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa with complaint of nightmares secondary to PTSD

Exclusion Criteria:
  • Restless leg syndrome

  • Narcolepsy

  • Sleep Apnea

  • Neurological disorders

  • Pregnancy

  • cardiac abnormalities

  • significant electrolyte abnormalities

  • Use of steroids, beta blockers, prazosin

  • Alcohol/substance abuse

Contacts and Locations

Locations

Site City State Country Postal Code
1 Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey Pennsylvania United States 17033

Sponsors and Collaborators

  • Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Fauzia Mahr, Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Study Documents (Full-Text)

More Information

Publications

Responsible Party:
Fauzia Mahr, MD, Associate Professor, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT02382848
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • 00001746
First Posted:
Mar 9, 2015
Last Update Posted:
Jul 16, 2019
Last Verified:
Jun 1, 2019
Keywords provided by Fauzia Mahr, MD, Associate Professor, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Study Results

Participant Flow

Recruitment Details
Pre-assignment Detail 1 participant consented to the study, but decided not to continue before completing screening measures due to scheduling difficulties.
Arm/Group Title Prazosin, Then Placebo Placebo, Then Pazosin
Arm/Group Description A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. After a washout period of 1 week, they then will receive matching placebo pill. Placebo will be given for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. After a washout period of 1 week, they then will be given Prazosin matched pill (1mg capsule). Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. Placebo: Placebo (sugar pill) is used for 3 weeks.
Period Title: First Intervention (3 Weeks)
STARTED 3 5
COMPLETED 3 5
NOT COMPLETED 0 0
Period Title: First Intervention (3 Weeks)
STARTED 3 5
COMPLETED 3 5
NOT COMPLETED 0 0
Period Title: First Intervention (3 Weeks)
STARTED 3 5
COMPLETED 3 5
NOT COMPLETED 0 0

Baseline Characteristics

Arm/Group Title All Study Participants
Arm/Group Description All participants received Prazosin (1mg capsule) and Placebo during the course of the research study.
Overall Participants 8
Age (Count of Participants)
<=18 years
0
0%
Between 18 and 65 years
8
100%
>=65 years
0
0%
Sex: Female, Male (Count of Participants)
Female
8
100%
Male
0
0%
Race (NIH/OMB) (Count of Participants)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0
0%
Asian
0
0%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0
0%
Black or African American
0
0%
White
8
100%
More than one race
0
0%
Unknown or Not Reported
0
0%
Region of Enrollment (participants) [Number]
United States
8
100%
Weight (kg) (Weight in (kg)) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Mean (Standard Deviation) [Weight in (kg)]
60.6
(10.4)

Outcome Measures

1. Primary Outcome
Title Decrease in Frequency of Nightmares Using the Sleep-50 Questionnaire
Description The individual question about frightening dreams from the Nightmares Subscale of a self-administered questionnaire (Sleep-50 Questionnaire), will be used to determine if there is a decrease in frequency of nightmares in patients undergoing drug intervention. For each question, respondents are provided with a scale ranging from 1 ("not at all") to 4 ("very much") and are asked to indicate the extent to which the statement has matched their experience over the study time frame. The scale values range from 1-4, where a lower value indicates lower frequency of nightmares. A higher score is a worse outcome.
Time Frame 3 weeks

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Prazosin Placebo
Arm/Group Description A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. Placebo will be given for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. Placebo: Placebo (sugar pill) is used for 3 weeks.
Measure Participants 8 8
Mean (Standard Error) [score on a scale]
2.25
(.37)
2.75
(.25)
2. Primary Outcome
Title Decrease in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Density & Normalization of REM Disruptions
Description PSG (Polysomnogram) will be used in 2 participants to determine if there is a decrease in REM density in patients undergoing drug intervention.
Time Frame 3 weeks

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
This study was designed to include a second phase involving polysomnography in 2 participants if there was enough signal efficacy found based on subjective measures. The second phase was not done, therefore no data was analyzed for this outcome measure.
Arm/Group Title Prazosin Placebo
Arm/Group Description A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. Placebo will be given for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. Placebo: Placebo (sugar pill) is used for 3 weeks.
Measure Participants 0 0
3. Secondary Outcome
Title Decrease in Bulimia Symptoms
Description EDI-3 (Eating Disorder Inventory 3 Scale) is a pencil and paper test consisting of 91 items and 12 sub-scales. The main scales are the drive for thinness and the bulimia scales, the remaining sub-scales are: low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, maturity fears, personal alienation, interpersonal alienation, interpersonal insecurity, perfectionism, interoceptive deficits, emotional dysregulation, and asceticism. The response options are based on a 6-point Likert-type scale are: Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Rarely, and Never. There are six composite scores, 12 primary scores, and three response style validity indicators. Software is used to calculate the raw scores, composite scores, validity scale scores and the T-scores. The t-score for the Bulimia scale will be used for this analysis with a range of 22-66. Higher scores indicate the likelihood of an eating disorder. A higher t-score on the bulimia scale indicates a worse outcome.
Time Frame 3 weeks

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Prazosin Placebo
Arm/Group Description A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. Placebo will be given for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. Placebo: Placebo (sugar pill) is used for 3 weeks.
Measure Participants 8 8
Mean (Standard Error) [T-Score]
43.1
(5.0)
38.6
(4.8)
4. Secondary Outcome
Title Decrease in Total CAPS Score (PTSD)
Description The CAPS (Clinician administered PTSD) rating scale consists of 30 questions rated on a 0-4 point scoring system and patient interview will be used to determine if there is a decrease in PTSD Symptoms among participants undergoing drug intervention. 17 of these questions are used to calculate the total severity score used in this analysis. This is done by summing the frequency and intensity ratings (each ranging from 0-4) for each of the 17 questions. The total severity score can have a range of 0-136. A higher score on this scale indicates a worse outcome.
Time Frame 3 weeks

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Prazosin Placebo
Arm/Group Description A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. Placebo will be given for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. Placebo: Placebo (sugar pill) is used for 3 weeks.
Measure Participants 8 8
Mean (Standard Error) [score on a scale]
65.5
(9.1)
79.8
(12.9)
5. Secondary Outcome
Title Decrease in Depressed Mood as Measured by the HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and Subject Interview
Description Rating scales and subject interview will be used to determine if there is a decrease in depressed mood among participants undergoing drug intervention. The HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) consists of 17 items, some scored on a 5-point scale (0-4) and others scored on a 3-point scale (0-2). Items from the scale can be summed to give a total score ranging from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome. This analysis is based on a single item from the scale (Depressed Mood, measured on a 5-point scale) where a higher score again indicates a worse outcome.
Time Frame 3 weeks

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Prazosin Placebo
Arm/Group Description A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. Placebo will be given for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. Placebo: Placebo (sugar pill) is used for 3 weeks.
Measure Participants 8 8
Mean (Standard Error) [score on a scale]
1.4
(0.4)
1.3
(.50)
6. Secondary Outcome
Title Decrease in Self Harm Thoughts as Measured by the HDRS and Subject Interview
Description Rating scales and subject interview will be used to determine if there is a decrease in self harm among participants undergoing drug intervention. The HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) consists of 17 items, some scored on a 5-point scale (0-4) and others scored on a 3-point scale (0-2). Items from the scale can be summed to give a total score ranging from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome. This analysis is based on a single item from the scale (Self Harm, measured on a 5-point scale) where a higher score again indicates a worse outcome.
Time Frame 3 weeks

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Prazosin Placebo
Arm/Group Description A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. Placebo will be given for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. Placebo: Placebo (sugar pill) is used for 3 weeks.
Measure Participants 8 8
Mean (Standard Error) [score on a scale]
0.5
(0.4)
.1
(.1)

Adverse Events

Time Frame 2 years, 1 month.
Adverse Event Reporting Description
Arm/Group Title Prazosin Placebo
Arm/Group Description A starting dose of Prazosin (1mg capsule) will be given at Week # 1 of this arm. Symptoms will be reassessed and medication will be adjusted by 1-2 mg increments every 7 days for 3 weeks based on clinical response and severity of night mares, to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit while monitoring adverse effects using side effects scale on weekly basis (psychiatrist will be using the scale at every visit). The end point for capping the Prazosin dose will be 6 mg daily. Placebo will be given for a 3 consecutive week period during the 7 week study period. Placebo: Placebo (sugar pill) is used for 3 weeks.
All Cause Mortality
Prazosin Placebo
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 0/8 (0%) 0/8 (0%)
Serious Adverse Events
Prazosin Placebo
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 0/8 (0%) 0/8 (0%)
Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
Prazosin Placebo
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 0/8 (0%) 0/8 (0%)

Limitations/Caveats

[Not Specified]

More Information

Certain Agreements

All Principal Investigators ARE employed by the organization sponsoring the study.

There is NOT an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.

Results Point of Contact

Name/Title Dr. Fauzia Mahr
Organization Penn State University College of Medicine
Phone 717 531-8133
Email fmahr@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
Responsible Party:
Fauzia Mahr, MD, Associate Professor, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT02382848
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • 00001746
First Posted:
Mar 9, 2015
Last Update Posted:
Jul 16, 2019
Last Verified:
Jun 1, 2019