CBT and the Neural Circuits of Anxiety

Launched by UCLH/UCL JOINT RESEARCH OFFICE · Sep 17, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can change the brain's responses to anxiety. Researchers want to understand if specific brain changes happen when people undergo CBT, which could help improve this therapy for those dealing with anxiety disorders. By identifying how CBT works on a biological level, the study hopes to make treatments for anxiety more effective in the future.

To participate in the trial, you should be between 18 and 75 years old, currently receiving high-intensity therapy for anxiety, and have a moderate level of anxiety as indicated by a standard test. You’ll need to provide consent to join. If you have severe anxiety, a history of certain mental health issues, or specific medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate, you might not be eligible. Participants will undergo brain scans and therapy sessions, contributing to important research that could enhance how we treat anxiety.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Enrolled in IAPT Step 3 (high intensity service)
• • Score of or above 8 on the GAD-7 (indicating moderate anxiety on a standard scale of anxiety; Spitzer et al., 2006)
• • Willing and able to provide written consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Score above 22 on the GAD-7
• • Past/present psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder/mania or alcohol/substance use disorder (outside a comorbid psychiatric episode)
• • History of medical illness that may impair cognitive function (e.g. serious head injury, endocrine disorder)
• • Current psychotropic pharmacological intervention (e.g. SSRIs) or use within 3 months
• • MRI contraindications such as pacemaker, aneurysm clip, cochlear implant, neurostimulator, IUD, shrapnel, metal fragments in eye, weight of above 250lbs or claustrophobia
• • Females who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding