Actively Recruiting
A Metacognitive Group Therapy of Depression and Anxiety in Youth With Autism: Feasibility, Acceptability and Effect in a Clinical Open Trial
Led by Uppsala University · Updated on 2025-09-29
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a metacognitive group therapy designed for adolescents aged 15 to 18 who have anxiety and/or depression along with an autism diagnosis. This open clinical trial aims to assess how well participants can be recruited and retained, their compliance and adherence to treatment, the feasibility of outcome measures, treatment acceptability, and any adverse effects. The study also aims to explore preliminary effects on symptoms, quality of life, functional impairment, stress levels, and metacognitive processes. The treatment involves metacognitive group therapy delivered face-to-face in 10 weekly sessions. Groups consist of six participants each, and therapists trained in metacognitive therapy conduct the sessions. The therapy follows a structured clinical manual based on Adrian Wells' transdiagnostic A-M-C model for anxiety and depression. Assessments occur before treatment, after the 10-week intervention, and again at a 6-month follow-up. Participants will complete various assessments including the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), quality of life questionnaires, metacognition questionnaires, stress scales, and disability scales. Some metacognitive processes will be monitored during each group session. The study focuses on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary treatment effects, analyzing data with paired sample tests. The total involvement includes initial screening, 10 weeks of therapy, and follow-up assessments at 6 months.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Metacognitive Group Therapy of Depression and Anxiety in Youth With Autism
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age of 15 to 18 years
- Seeking medical care at PRIMA psychiatric clinic for children and youth in Stockholm
- Diagnosed with anxiety disorder or depression and autism through a clinical interview
- Able to understand and participate in treatment conducted in Swedish
- Willing and able to participate after receiving study information
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with bipolar syndrome, alcohol use syndrome, substance use syndromes, psychotic symptoms including affective syndromes with psychotic symptoms, or antisocial personality disorder
- High risk of suicide
- Extensive self-harm behavior or moderate to high risk of self-harm
- Currently receiving or about to start other psychological treatment during the study period
- Not on stable medication for at least one month or planning medication changes during the study
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)
Duration - 10 weeks
Participants attend 10 weekly group therapy sessions focused on metacognitive therapy for anxiety and depression.
Weekly visits for 10 weeks (in-person group sessions)
Duration - 6 months
Participants are assessed 6 months after completing treatment to evaluate lasting effects.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
PRIMA Child and Youth Psychiatry, Handen
Haninge, Stockholm County, Sweden, 13640
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Timo Hursti, Ph.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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