Antiglucocorticoid therapy for older adults with anxiety and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction: results from a pilot study with mifepristone.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In older adults with anxiety disorders, chronically elevated cortisol may contribute to cognitive impairment and elevated anxiety. We conducted a pilot study with mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, as a potential treatment for late-life anxiety disorders and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

Fifteen individuals 60 years and older with an anxiety disorder plus cognitive dysfunction participated in the 12-week study. In the first week, participants were randomly assigned to mifepristone 300 mg daily or placebo. In the subsequent 3 weeks, all participants received mifepristone 300 mg. Mifepristone was then discontinued, and the participants were reassessed 8 weeks later. We examined the following: (1) cognitive changes; (2) worry symptom se

SUBMITTER: Lenze EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4138285 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature