RecruitingNCT05549102

CBT and the Neural Circuits of Anxiety

The Impact of CBT on Shock-Potentiated Neural Circuity

Sponsor

UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office

Enrollment

174 participants

Start Date

Feb 2, 2020

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Anxiety Depression Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Generalised Anxiety Disorder CBT Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms Anxiety Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Mixed With Depression (Mild)

Summary

This study will aim to test whether specific neural circuitry changes, proposed on the basis of a neurocognitive model of anxiety, are a mechanism of action for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions. This study aims to provide a theoretical model of the neurobiological mechanisms of CBT's therapeutic effect, where there currently is none, and potentially allow for more targeted/specific approaches to anxiety disorders following the identification of key CBT mechanisms. The ultimate aim is to improve the efficacy of CBT, and more generally, psychological interventions for anxiety disorders.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 64 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is exploring what happens in the brain during cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety, using MRI brain scans before and after treatment. The goal is to understand the brain circuits involved so future treatments can be better targeted. **You may be eligible if...** - You are enrolled in a high-intensity therapy program (IAPT Step 3) for anxiety - Your anxiety score on the GAD-7 scale is 8 or above (moderate anxiety) - You are willing to have brain scans (MRI) before and after treatment **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your anxiety score is above 22 (very severe) - You have a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or alcohol/substance use disorder - You have a medical condition that could affect brain function (such as serious head injury) - You are currently taking psychiatric medications like SSRIs or have taken them in the past 3 months - You have MRI contraindications (pacemaker, metal implants, severe claustrophobia, or weight over 250 lbs) - You are pregnant Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALCognitive Behavioural Therapy

In the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy group (N=87), patients will undergo CBT as part of their routine care in Step 3 of the IAPT programme. This will be administered by suitably trained clinicians. The specification of CBT is as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines (CG113 - Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management). In these guidelines, patients are offered on average, 12-15 hourly, weekly sessions of CBT with a trained and competent practitioners. Therapy sessions involve discussions that identify patterns in thinking or behaviours which may be problematic, and therapists and patients work to set goals to reduce these using cognitive techniques. The principle is to teach the patient how to use CBT techniques in their day-to-day life to promote a lasting effect on mental health. We will test patients before (T1) and after (T2) a course of treatment.

OTHERWaiting List

In the control group (N=87), we will test patients who are currently seeking (but not undergoing) treatment before (T1) and after a wait (T2) of equivalent time (i.e. waiting list controls)