Behavioral + Propranolol for Misophonia
(Miso Prop Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new approach for treating misophonia, a condition where certain sounds trigger intense reactions. The study tests propranolol, a medication, to determine if it can lessen these reactions by affecting how memories linked to these sounds are stored. Participants may receive propranolol or a placebo, along with reminders or behavioral techniques, to evaluate different strategies. The trial seeks individuals who are hypersensitive to specific sounds and experience irritation, anger, or fear as a result. Participants must not have certain medical conditions and should be able to follow study instructions in English. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how propranolol works in people with misophonia, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking insights.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you do not regularly use medications that are metabolized in the CYP2D6, 1A2, or 2C19 pathways, as these can interact with propranolol. If you are on such medications, you may need to stop taking them to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that propranolol, a medication used in this trial, is usually well-tolerated. It has treated conditions like high blood pressure and migraines for many years. However, some people have reported side effects such as difficulty breathing and heart problems. These side effects are uncommon but can occur.
The counterconditioning approach, a behavioral technique, has shown promise in helping people with misophonia. This method has no known safety concerns because it doesn't involve medication; it uses mental exercises to change how the brain reacts to certain sounds.
Since this trial is in an early phase, the main goal is to assess the safety of these treatments for people with misophonia. Always consult a healthcare provider before joining a trial to ensure it's the right choice.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for misophonia because they explore unique approaches compared to current options, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or sound management strategies. Propranolol Hydrochloride, a beta-blocker commonly used for high blood pressure, is being tested to see if it can change the emotional response to misophonia triggers by altering memory reactivation. This approach is different because it targets the emotional intensity linked to misophonia sounds, potentially offering a quicker way to reduce symptoms. Additionally, the trial includes a behavioral arm using counterconditioning, which aims to retrain emotional responses to triggers, potentially providing an alternative to traditional therapies. These innovative methods could pave the way for more effective and faster relief for those affected by misophonia.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for misophonia?
Research has shown that propranolol, a beta-blocker, can help reduce the emotional and physical reactions linked to misophonia. One case study demonstrated fewer symptoms with propranolol, as measured by a specific scale for misophonia. In this trial, some participants will receive propranolol, either with or without a memory reminder. Additionally, counterconditioning, a technique that changes responses to triggers, has shown promise in reducing misophonia symptoms by 70%. This method also helped reduce behaviors in families that might unintentionally worsen the condition. Other participants in this trial will undergo counterconditioning, with or without a memory reminder. Both treatments have shown potential in managing misophonia, but more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Daniela Schiller, PhD
Principal Investigator
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Laili Soleimani, MD, Msc
Principal Investigator
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
James Murrough, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-55 with misophonia, which means they have strong negative reactions to certain sounds. Participants must speak English fluently and not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a pulse outside of the range 55-100 bpm. They should not take specific medications that interact with propranolol, have high or low blood pressure issues, cardiovascular illnesses, respiratory diseases like COPD, diabetes mellitus, CNS diseases or recent drug abuse.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo pharmacological or behavioral manipulation to interfere with the reconsolidation of misophonia-related memories
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in heart rate, approach-avoidance behavior, and galvanic skin response
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Counterconditioning
- Placebo
- Propranolol Hydrochloride
- Reminder
Propranolol Hydrochloride is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Arrhythmias
- Migraine prophylaxis
- Performance anxiety
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Arrhythmias
- Migraine prophylaxis
- Performance anxiety
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Arrhythmias
- Migraine prophylaxis
- Performance anxiety
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Lead Sponsor