CBT and the Neural Circuits of Anxiety

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.

Conditions

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

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Cognitive 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.

OTHER

Waiting 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)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medical Research Council

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• Camden and Islington NHS Trust

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

  collaborator OTHER

• UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office

  lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

64 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-02-02

Primary Completion

2025-12-01

Completion

2025-12-01

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations