Losartan and Emotional Processing in Young People
This study explores how a single dose of a medicine called losartan affects how young people aged 16 to 20 deal with emotions. Losartan is usually used for high blood pressure, but some research suggests it might also help people learn to get over fears. This is important because anxiety can be common in teenagers, and current treatments don't always work for everyone in this age group. The study will compare losartan to a dummy pill (placebo) in healthy volunteers. Participants will take either the medicine or the dummy pill and then do some computer tasks that look at how they react to different emotional information. The findings from this research could help scientists understand more about how emotions work in young people and potentially lead to new ways to support those with anxiety.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking into how a specific medication called losartan affects emotional processing in young people aged 16 to 20. Losartan is a medicine that's most commonly prescribed to help control high blood pressure, but recent studies have hinted that it might also play a role in how our brains handle emotions, particularly when it comes to overcoming fear.
We know that teenagers are often more likely to develop anxiety, and sometimes the usual treatments, like talking therapies, aren't as effective for them. This study aims to understand if a single dose of losartan can help young healthy volunteers to process emotional information and "unlearn" fears more effectively. This could be a step towards finding new and better ways to help young people who struggle with anxiety.
The study will involve giving participants either a single dose of losartan or a dummy pill (placebo) without them knowing which they've received. After about an hour, when the medicine would be active, they will complete various computer-based tasks that measure how they respond to different emotional signals. By comparing the results between those who received losartan and those who received the placebo, researchers hope to learn more about how this medication influences the brain's emotional systems in young adults.
Key takeaways
- This study explores how a blood pressure medicine affects emotional processing in young people.
- It aims to understand if losartan can help in learning to overcome fears.
- Participants will be healthy volunteers aged 16-20.
- You will receive either losartan or a dummy pill during a single study visit.
- The findings could lead to new ways to support young people with anxiety.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy young person between 16 and 20 years old. You must be able and willing to give your consent to take part. If you’re 16 or 17, your parent or guardian will also need to agree. You should also be able to travel to Oxford for appointments and provide your GP's contact details.
There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having a history of mental health conditions, like severe anxiety or depression, or if a close family member has a severe mental illness. You also can't be taking certain medications, especially those for blood pressure or other heart conditions, or if you've recently taken other study medications.
Other reasons for not being able to participate include having certain medical conditions like serious kidney or liver problems, very low blood pressure, a history of epilepsy, or being significantly underweight (under 35kg). We'll also check your health with a blood test to make sure it's safe for you to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 16 and 20 years old?
- Are you generally healthy and do not have a history of serious mental health conditions?
- Are you able and willing to clearly understand and agree to take part?
- Are you able to travel to Oxford for the study visit?
- Are you currently not taking any heart or blood pressure medication?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first have a screening appointment. This involves discussing your medical history and having a blood test to make sure you're suitable. If you qualify, you'll then have one main study visit.
During this visit, you'll be randomly given either a single dose of the study medication (losartan) or a dummy pill (placebo). You won't know which one you're getting. About an hour later, you'll complete a series of computer-based tasks designed to look at how you process emotions. The total duration of your involvement in the study, from screening to completing the main visit, will be short, likely limited to a few hours over one or two days.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Warneford Hospital, University of OxfordVerified postcodeOxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is losartan?
Losartan is a medicine mainly used to treat high blood pressure, but we are investigating its effects on emotional processing in this study.
Will I know if I'm getting the real medicine or a dummy pill?
No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know if you're taking losartan or a placebo (dummy pill) until after the study is over.
Is this study meant to treat anxiety?
No, this study is for research purposes only to understand how losartan affects emotional processing; it is not a treatment for anxiety.
How long will I be involved in the study?
After a screening visit, you will have one main study visit that will last a few hours.
What if I feel unwell during the study?
You will be carefully monitored during the study visit, and you can stop participating at any time if you don't feel well.
How to find out more
Andrea Reinecke, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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