Actively Recruiting
Transdiagnostic Metacognitive Therapy Compared to Disorder-Specific Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Superiority Trial
Led by Karolinska Institutet · Updated on 2026-03-27
86
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
K
Karolinska Institutet
Lead Sponsor
R
Region Stockholm
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions worldwide, typically treated with medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, only about half of patients achieve remission with CBT, and some discontinue treatment early. This research aims to compare a newer approach called transdiagnostic metacognitive therapy (tMCT), which targets beliefs about thinking itself, with standard disorder-specific CBT in patients with anxiety disorders. The study also looks at cost-effectiveness and factors that might explain treatment effects. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either tMCT, a single therapy protocol addressing metacognitions across disorders, or disorder-specific CBT targeting thoughts and behaviors related to their diagnosis. Treatments are delivered face-to-face in individual sessions by trained therapists in psychiatric care in Stockholm, Sweden. The study uses a randomized controlled design with equal allocation to each therapy group, and therapists must demonstrate competence in their assigned approach. Throughout the study, patients complete assessments before treatment, after treatment (up to 13 weeks), and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. These include questionnaires measuring worry, social anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as clinical ratings and quality of life measures. Independent assessors evaluate diagnoses after treatment. The study plans to analyze changes over time and compare how the two therapies affect symptoms and costs. Participation includes regular therapy sessions and follow-up evaluations over one year.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Transdiagnostic Metacognitive Therapy Compared to Disorder-Specific Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 years of age or older
- A principal diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder
- No change in pharmacological treatment dose during the last six weeks if applicable
- Ability to read and speak Swedish
You will not qualify if you...
- Current diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, neurocognitive disorder, or moderate to severe substance use disorder
- Acute risk of suicide
- Receiving simultaneous psychological treatment
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 - Up to 13 weeks
Participants receive either transdiagnostic metacognitive therapy or disorder-specific cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders.
Weekly visits during treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Stockholm North Psychiatry Clinic
Stockholm, Sweden
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Benjamin Bohman, PhD
N
Nathalie Petersén, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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