Cognitive Behavioral Therapy + Benzodiazepine Taper for Anxiety
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial seeks a safer way to manage anxiety for individuals using opioids and benzodiazepines. Researchers compare cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which changes thinking and behavior patterns, to regular health education in reducing benzodiazepine use. Participants will receive one of these therapies alongside a gradual reduction in benzodiazepine use over 12 weeks, all conducted through telehealth. The trial seeks individuals who have taken prescribed benzodiazepines and opioids for at least three months and experience significant anxiety. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to safer anxiety management strategies.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial requires participants to reduce their benzodiazepine use through a 12-week taper. It does not specify stopping other medications, but you must be willing to reduce benzodiazepine use.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a gradual reduction of benzodiazepine use is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies indicate that CBT helps individuals stop using benzodiazepines without causing serious side effects, particularly for those with anxiety disorders like panic disorder.
In one study, patients who used CBT while slowly reducing their benzodiazepine dosage effectively cut down or stopped their medication. Anxiety symptoms did not significantly increase during this process. CBT is often the first choice for treating anxiety disorders due to its safety and effectiveness.
Benzodiazepine tapering involves gradually lowering the medication dose over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Combining this approach with CBT can help patients manage anxiety more effectively.
Overall, research suggests that this method is not only safe but also beneficial for reducing benzodiazepine use while managing anxiety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a unique combination approach to help people with anxiety who are trying to reduce their use of benzodiazepines. Most treatments for anxiety focus either on medication or therapy alone, but this trial combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically tailored to support benzodiazepine tapering. This approach is designed to help patients manage anxiety more effectively by using exposure-based CBT techniques, which aim to reduce the reliance on benzodiazepines over a 12-week period. By integrating these methods, researchers hope to find a more effective and supportive way to ease the transition off benzodiazepines while maintaining anxiety control.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for anxiety?
Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and can help individuals stop using benzodiazepines. In this trial, one group of participants will receive CBT combined with a gradual reduction of benzodiazepines. Studies have found that this combination leads to better outcomes than reducing the medication alone. For instance, one study discovered that more participants successfully stopped using benzodiazepines when CBT was added to their treatment plan compared to those who only reduced their dose. CBT teaches practical skills to manage anxiety, which can reduce the need for medication. Overall, CBT offers a safer and effective way for individuals to manage anxiety without relying on benzodiazepines. Another group in this trial will receive health education control sessions along with the benzodiazepine taper.23467
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-85 who have been taking prescribed benzodiazepines and opioids for at least 3 months, are experiencing significant anxiety (scoring ≥8 on the OASIS), speak English, can access telehealth services, and want to reduce their use of benzodiazepines. Pregnant individuals or those with severe psychiatric symptoms, certain substance use disorders, ongoing need for benzodiazepines due to medical conditions, recent use of other drugs (except limited cannabis), or marked cognitive impairment cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo a 12-week benzodiazepine taper with either CBT or health education control
Post-treatment
Assessment of benzodiazepine use, opioid use, and anxiety symptoms
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety plus benzodiazepine taper
- Health education control plus benzodiazepine taper
Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety plus benzodiazepine taper is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Anxiety disorders
- Anxiety disorders
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
Boston University
Collaborator