D-Cycloserine Works for Children with Specific Phobia, Too

The partial N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor agonist d-cycloserine (DCS) enhances consolidation of the learning of fear extinction and facilitates exposure treatment for anxiety in adults. These researchers examined effects of DCS in 35 children with dog or spider phobias (age range, 6–14 years; 21 girls).

The children did not have significant depression, psychosis, panic symptoms unrelated to their phobia, or pervasive developmental disorder. None were receiving antidepressants or other treatment for the phobia. They were randomized to a single dose of DCS (50 mg) or placebo 1 hour before exposure therapy (typical duration, 1 hour) to a feared stimulus. Approximately 1 week later, they were exposed to a different feared stimulus, in the same c…