Behavioral Therapies for Anxiety and Depression
(AAC-BeT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how different therapy approaches can help individuals with both anxiety and depression. It will test three therapies: behavioral activation (encouraging engagement in meaningful activities), exposure-based therapy (helping individuals face fears), and supportive therapy (also known as supportive counseling). Researchers seek to understand how these treatments affect brain and behavior responses to rewards and threats. Individuals who experience anxiety and depression as ongoing issues may be well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding effective therapies for anxiety and depression.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude those who regularly use benzodiazepines (a type of medication often used for anxiety). It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial coordinators.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that behavioral activation and exposure-based therapy are generally safe and effective for treating anxiety and depression.
For behavioral activation, studies have found that it reduces anxiety and depression symptoms faster than other treatments. People usually tolerate it well, experiencing few negative reactions. One study found no major safety issues, making it a reliable choice for those with depression.
Exposure-based therapy is also proven safe. It is often used for anxiety disorders and is considered one of the best treatments available. Although the therapy involves facing fears and might seem tough initially, most people manage it well. Research has shown it works even in challenging situations, such as in communities with fewer resources, without causing harm.
Both treatments are well-researched and have been shown to be safe options for those dealing with anxiety and depression.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these behavioral therapies for anxiety and depression because they offer unique approaches compared to traditional medication-based treatments. Behavioral Activation encourages individuals to engage in meaningful activities to boost their mood, while Exposure-based therapy focuses on helping patients face their fears in a controlled manner to reduce anxiety over time. Supportive therapy provides emotional support and encouragement, helping patients build coping skills and resilience. These methods have the potential to empower patients with tools to manage their symptoms actively, offering an alternative or complement to standard pharmacological treatments.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for anxiety and depression?
This trial will compare different behavioral therapies for anxiety and depression. Research has shown that both behavioral activation and exposure-based therapy, tested in this trial, effectively treat these conditions. Participants may receive Behavioral Activation, which improves mood and reduces anxiety by encouraging engagement in meaningful activities. Studies have found it helpful for various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders. Alternatively, participants may receive Exposure-based therapy, which effectively reduces anxiety by helping individuals face and overcome fears, addressing avoidance and negative thinking patterns. Both therapies have demonstrated improvements in mental health, making them promising options for treating anxiety and depression.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Robin L Aupperle, PhD
Principal Investigator
Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals who experience both anxiety and depression, scoring above 55 on the PROMIS scales for these conditions. They must be able to give informed consent, speak English well enough for the study's procedures, and consider their symptoms a clinical concern. People with severe mental health issues like bipolar or psychotic disorders, recent substance abuse, neurological disorders, MRI contraindications (like metal implants), or regular benzodiazepine use cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomized to one of three therapy interventions: behavioral activation, exposure-based therapy, or supportive therapy. Clinical, self-report, behavioral, and fMRI assessments are conducted before and after therapy.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in mental health symptoms and brain responses after therapy completion.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Behavioral Activation
- Exposure-based therapy
- Supportive therapy
Behavioral Activation is already approved in United States, China, European Union for the following indications:
- Depression
- Anxiety in older adults undergoing cardiac procedures
- Loneliness in older adults
- Depression
- Depression
- Anxiety
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc.
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator