Actively Recruiting
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Propranolol for Treating Misophonia
Led by Bloom Mental Health, LLC · Updated on 2025-12-09
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether a single 20 mg oral dose of propranolol can temporarily reduce the emotional and physical symptoms caused by misophonia. This early phase 1 study also aims to identify factors that might predict how well participants respond to propranolol and to assess the safety and tolerability of the drug in people with misophonia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a one-time 20 mg propranolol pill or a matching placebo pill. The study uses a triple-blind design to compare the effects of propranolol against placebo. Heart rate will be monitored continuously during video presentations, and participants will rate their reactions to each video clip. Grip strength will also be measured immediately after each video exposure as a secondary outcome. During the study visit, participants will undergo continuous heart rate monitoring via pulse oximetry while watching video clips designed to trigger misophonia symptoms. They will rate their responses on a visual analog scale after each clip, and grip strength will be tested to assess physical reaction. The study will monitor safety and tolerability throughout, and participation includes completing the clinical visit and assessments. The study runs until December 2026 with participants aged 18 to 65 years.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Propranolol for Misophonia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18-65.
- Able to complete study visit(s) in Littleton, CO.
- Able to give informed consent.
- Report clinically significant misophonia symptoms based on standardized trigger screening.
- Score at least moderate ("2" or higher) on questions 2 and 3 of the Amsterdam Misophonia Scale at screening.
- Able to communicate misophonic distress in writing and participate in outpatient clinical settings.
- Agree to follow study clinician advice including seeking additional care if advised.
- Fluent in English.
You will not qualify if you...
- Current use of scheduled propranolol for any condition.
- Known contraindications to propranolol, including cardiogenic shock, sinus bradycardia (<50 bpm), greater than first degree heart block, blood pressure below 90/60, or asthma requiring treatment in last 5 years.
- Other heart conditions requiring ongoing medical treatment.
- Relative contraindications like active anorexia, purging, underweight (BMI <18.5).
- Active drug or alcohol use within 48 hours or active drug withdrawal.
- Untreated diabetes or endocrine disorders harmful with propranolol.
- History of cardiovascular disease, stroke, or symptomatic blood disorders.
- Severe physical or neurological conditions affecting participation.
- Liver or kidney disease affected by propranolol.
- Conditions like Raynaud disease, pheochromocytoma, psoriasis, untreated thyroid disease affected by propranolol, unexplained dizziness, low oxygen, abnormal respirations.
- Medications interfering with propranolol effects.
- Allergy or sensitivity to propranolol or placebo ingredients.
- Pregnant or nursing.
- Recent severe psychiatric conditions or hospitalization.
- Misophonia-triggered reactions posing safety risks.
- Misophonia better explained by other conditions like hyperacusis.
- Severe hearing impairment interfering with triggers.
- Triggered by control sounds like running water or car alarm.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single day
Participants receive a one-time oral dose of either 20 mg propranolol or placebo and have their heart rate continuously monitored during video presentations. Their reactions to each video clip are measured immediately after each exposure.
1 day visit with continuous monitoring and multiple assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Bloom Mental Health
Littleton, Colorado, United States, 80120
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Bloom Mental Health Clinic
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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