*This proposal was written in partial
fulfillment of requirements for an undergraduate research methods course and is
not intended to be carried out.*
Do Panic Attacks Lead to
Depression? A Study of the Physical Changes of the Amygdala
Camille
A. Giordano
Past studies have shown that blood flow and glucose metabolism in the amygdala have a positive correlation with the severity of depression. The intention of this study is to examine the effects of a panic attack on the amygdala and see if these changes lead to an episode of depression. The changes in glucose metabolism and blood flow will be measured using a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan and the severity of depression will be measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). All 58 participants, ranging between the ages of 18-25, will have a PET scan and take the BDI before and after the occurrence of a panic attack The difference in scores will be tested for significance.