RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06770517

Exposure Therapy for Late-life Anxiety

Defeating Fear With Exposure Therapy Delivered by Mental Health Nurses in Primary Care for Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults - a Cluster-randomised Controlled Trial

Sponsor

ProPersona

Enrollment

170 participants

Start Date

Feb 12, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Anxiety Depression Anxiety Disorders

Summary

The primary objective is to evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness of exposure therapy (ET) delivered by trained mental health nurses (MHNs) in terms of anxiety symptoms and quality of life for late life anxiety disorders in primary care compared to usual care (UC). UC is not restricted, and the general practitioner (GP) is encouraged to work according to the guidelines of the Dutch College of GPs. Participants in the ET group will receive 30-minute ET sessions delivered by a trained mental health nurse, during 8 sessions within the span of 12 weeks. Participants will fill in questionnaires before, during and after treatment, with a 1-year follow-up. The main study parameters are anxiety severity, quality of life and societal costs.

Eligibility

Min Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing exposure therapy — a type of psychotherapy where people gradually face situations they fear in a safe and controlled way — as a treatment for anxiety disorders in older adults (aged 60 and above). **You may be eligible if...** - You have a primary anxiety disorder (such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder) as diagnosed by a clinical interview - You are Dutch-speaking and able to communicate in Dutch **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a serious physical illness or another psychiatric condition that would interfere with diagnosis or treatment - You have moderate to severe suicidal thoughts - You have a significant problem with alcohol or substance use - You received psychotherapy (including exposure therapy) in the past year - You are currently using antidepressants or benzodiazepines in a way that may interfere with the study 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.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALExposure therapy

The exposure therapy will be given by the mental health care nurses (MHN) working in primary care centres. In addition, there will be eight sessions spread over 12 weeks. The first session will be 60 minutes long and the rest will be 30 minutes long.

BEHAVIORALUsual Care

The Usual Care group will receive care based on the general practitioners guidelines for anxiety disorders in the primary care center. This will entail possible medication, e-learning or psycho-education, problem solving therapy or a referral to a mental health institution.