Actively Recruiting
The Impact of CBT on Shock-Potentiated Neural Circuity
Led by UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office · Updated on 2025-06-29
174
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office
Lead Sponsor
M
Medical Research Council
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) affects the brain circuits involved in anxiety disorders. This study aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms behind CBT's effects, focusing on the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. The goal is to develop better targeted treatments for anxiety by identifying how CBT changes brain function compared to waiting list controls. This study also compares these effects to pharmacological treatments for anxiety. Participants are divided into two groups: those receiving a course of CBT and those on a waiting list for CBT. The CBT group will receive 12-15 weekly therapy sessions following national guidelines, where they discuss and work on patterns of thinking and behavior. Both groups will be tested before and after the treatment or waiting period, up to 12 weeks, using brain imaging and cognitive tasks. During the study, participants will complete computer-based emotional and cognitive tasks and undergo brain scans using functional MRI. Various psychological questionnaires will assess anxiety, depression, stress, and related behaviors. Researchers will monitor brain connectivity changes and cognitive performance to understand how CBT influences anxiety. The total study duration includes assessments at the start and after the treatment or waiting period, with data compared between groups.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
CBT and the Neural Circuits of Anxiety
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Enrolled in IAPT Step 3 (high intensity service)
- Score of or above 8 on the GAD-7 (indicating moderate anxiety)
- Willing and able to provide written consent
- Aged between 18 and 64 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Score above 22 on the GAD-7
- Past or present psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder/mania, or alcohol/substance use disorder (outside a comorbid episode)
- History of medical illness impairing cognitive function (e.g., serious head injury, endocrine disorder)
- Current or recent (within 3 months) psychotropic medication use (e.g., SSRIs)
- MRI contraindications such as pacemaker, aneurysm clip, cochlear implant, neurostimulator, IUD, shrapnel, metal fragments in eye, weight over 250 lbs, or claustrophobia
- Females who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for clinical and questionnaire assessments
Duration - 12 to 15 weeks
Participants undergoing a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) will receive weekly therapy sessions as part of their routine care in the IAPT programme. CBT involves discussions to identify and change problematic thinking and behaviour patterns to improve mental health.
Weekly therapy sessions for 12 to 15 weeks
Duration - Up to 12 weeks after treatment or waiting period
Participants are assessed before and after the treatment or waiting period using cognitive and neuroimaging tests to measure brain function and emotional processing related to anxiety.
2 visits (one before and one after treatment or waiting period) involving computerised cognitive tasks and fMRI scanning
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London
London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AZ
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Emily Lewis
O
Oliver Robinson
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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