Mindful Self-Compassion for Anxiety Disorders and Depression

Launched by GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY · Dec 31, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how an 8-week program called Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) can help individuals struggling with anxiety disorders and depression. The researchers want to see if this training can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to a group that does not receive the MSC training. Participants will include adults aged 18 to 75 who have been diagnosed with conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or major depressive disorder, and who show low levels of self-compassion.

To participate, individuals must be currently experiencing one of these anxiety disorders or major depression and be willing to attend all study visits. However, people with other serious mental health issues, recent substance use problems, or certain medical conditions won't be eligible. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to engage in MSC training, which focuses on developing kindness towards oneself, and will be assessed for changes in their anxiety and depression symptoms. This study is currently recruiting, and if you're interested, it's important to discuss your eligibility and any questions with the research team.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Must have a primary anxiety disorder (social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or agoraphobia) or major depressive disorder, current
• • Must score low on self-compassion, as measured by the self-compassion scale
• • Must understand study procedure and willing to participate in all testing visits, and treatment as assigned
• • must be able to give informed consent to the study procedures
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Comorbid psychiatric disorder other than anxiety or depression, such as psychotic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders (i.e., anorexia and bulimia), bipolar disorder; developmental or organic mental disorders; and current (past 6 months) substance use disorders and current post-traumatic stress disorder as assessed by clinician at screening visit
• • A serious medical condition that may result in surgery or hospitalization.
• • A history of head trauma causing prolonged loss of consciousness, or ongoing cognitive impairment
• • Inability to understand study procedures or informed consent process, or significant personality dysfunction likely to interfere with study participation (assessed during the clinical interview).
• • Subjects who will be non-compliant with the study procedures. This may include planned travel out of town.
• • Subjects taking some psychiatric medication such as barbiturates or antipsychotics. Sleep medications and some anti-depressants will be allowed, if the subject has been taken at stable dose 8 weeks prior to baseline and the patient plans to continue at the same dose through the trial.
• • Concurrent psychotherapy initiated within 1 month of screen interview, or ongoing psychotherapy of any duration directed specifically toward the treatment of anxiety (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
• • Individuals who have completed a course of MSC or an equivalent meditation training in the last year.
• • Individuals reporting significant active suicidal ideation or suicidal behaviors within the past year.
• • Individuals with a medical condition (i.e., epilepsy) that may be exacerbated by study treatment, as determined by a study physician or nurse practitioner based on history, physical, and/or labs.
• • Adults unable to consent
• • Pregnant women
• • Prisoners