Psychological Treatment for Intrusive Thoughts

Recruiting at -1 trial locations

Overseen By Sara Velazquez, B.S.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Must not be taking: Psychotropic medications

Disqualifiers: Psychotic disorder, Bipolar, ADHD, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 8 weeks

87 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The investigators are conducting this study to learn more about the cognitive and attentional processes among individuals with three types of repetitive negative thinking (RNT): mental rituals (as seen in obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD), worries (as seen in generalized anxiety disorder, GAD), and ruminations (as seen in major depressive disorder, MDD). Specifically, the investigators are studying whether psychological treatment can help people with RNT who have trouble stopping unwanted thoughts and shifting their attention.

Research Team

Ryan J Jacoby, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-60 in Massachusetts with repetitive negative thinking due to OCD, GAD, or MDD. Participants must be fluent in English, right-handed, have internet access and a device with a camera and microphone. They should not be currently receiving psychotherapy or have unstable psychotropic medication use.

Inclusion Criteria

I am seeking treatment mainly because I can't stop worrying or thinking negatively.

I can use a computer and do tasks that require quick responses.

Access to a device with an internet connection, camera, and microphone (e.g., computer, smart phone, tablet)

Exclusion Criteria

My ADHD affects my ability to focus on tasks.

You have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in the past.

I have not changed or stopped any mental health medications recently.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive either Emotion Regulation Therapy-Attention Regulation (AR-ERT) or Supportive Psychotherapy (SPT) over 8 weeks

8 weeks

8 visits (virtual), some assessments in-person

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Emotion Regulation Therapy - Attention Regulation (AR-ERT)
• Supportive Psychotherapy (SPT)

Trial Overview The study tests if psychological treatments can improve attention control among those who struggle to stop unwanted thoughts related to OCD, GAD, and MDD. It compares Emotion Regulation Therapy focused on Attention Regulation (AR-ERT) against Supportive Psychotherapy (SPT).

Participant Groups

Group I: Emotion Regulation Therapy - Attention Regulation (AR-ERT) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals with repetitive negative thinking receiving Emotion Regulation Therapy - Attention Regulation.

Group II: Supportive Psychotherapy (SPT) Active Control 1 Intervention

Individuals with repetitive negative thinking receiving Supportive Psychotherapy.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+