The Trauma of Betrayal: Treating Adjustment Disorder With Reconsolidation Blockade Under Propranolol

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of an adjustment disorder or chronic adjustment disorder, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, as a result of an attachment injury, defined as an event involving the perceived betrayal, violation of trust, or abandonment by a significant other.
• Currently experiencing clinically important psychological distress as a result of the event, as defined by a score of at least 22 on the IES-R, and a score of at least "moderately ill" on the Clinical Global Impressions - Severity of Illness Scale.
• Must have been in the romantic relationship for at least 6 months prior to the event.
• Must not take psychotropic medication.
• Fluency in English or French

Exclusion criteria

• Systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg;
• Cardiac rhythm below 55 beats per minute;
• A medical condition that contraindicates the administration of propranolol, e.g., Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac choc, Second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, diabetes, spastic angina, auricular sinus illness, bradycardia, Raynaud's disease, severe peripheral vascular disease, untreated Pheochromocytoma, arterial hypotension, previous anaphylactic allergic shock;
• Previous adverse reaction to, or non-compliance with, beta-blocker;
• Current use of a substance that may involve potentially dangerous interactions with propranolol, including P450 2D6 inhibitors.
• Women who are pregnant or breast feeding;
• Individuals currently participating in any other form of psychotherapy (other than strictly supportive).
• History of substance dependence disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder;
• Participants judged (based on history, mental status exam, clinical impression, or the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire as being at significant risk of suicidal behavior.
• Participation in another drug trial within 30 days prior to the screening visit
• Presence of any clinical condition that might interfere with the interpretation of the efficacy and safety results.