Sniff Away Fear?

Dr. Adam Guastella, a psychology researcher at the University of New South Wales, Australia, may have found a treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in the unlikeliest of places. In a recent study of 23 people with extreme shyness, Guastella compared the effectiveness of exposure therapy alone compared with exposure therapy combined with a small dose of nasal spray. As part of the study, patients were asked to give a speech – a tall order considering that most were so shy they could not enter a crowded room let alone contemplate public speaking. Results of the study showed that the group given nasal spray showed the greatest reduction in fear and more lasting improvement.

The two chemicals given by nasal spray that are currently under investigation are oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone known to play a role in human emotions, and D-cycloserine (DCS), an antibiotic used against tuberculosis, that has subtle effects on the brain. These chemicals do not have an effect on fear on their own, but instead enhance therapy through their impact on the neurotransmitters in the brain involved with overcoming fear. These chemicals differ from antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in that they are only taken for a short period of time. They also differ from benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium, in that they are not addictive and have few side effects. Research is ongoing into the usefulness of these chemicals in aiding the treatment of a wide range of phobias. For those living in Australia, Dr. Guastella is currently recruiting participants for a study of the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy combined with nasal spray in the treatment of Social Phobia.