Group Self-Management Support for Anxiety Disorders

Overseen By Annie Benoit, M.Sc.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Université de Sherbrooke

Disqualifiers: Suicidal intentions, Severe depression, Substance disorder, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 10 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a virtual group self-management support program can enhance the management of anxiety disorders when added to usual treatment. The aim is to determine if this program can improve recovery, reduce anxiety symptoms, and lower healthcare costs. Participants must be 18 or older, speak French, and self-identify anxiety symptoms using a validated checklist. The trial will compare the group program to standard treatment to assess any additional benefits from the group sessions. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance anxiety management strategies.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to be an add-on to your usual treatment, so you may not need to stop them.

What prior data suggests that this group self-management support program is safe for anxiety disorders?

Research shows that group programs designed to help manage anxiety are generally safe. In past studies, participants in similar programs experienced a decrease in anxiety symptoms without major negative effects. These programs teach skills to better handle anxiety and are intended to complement regular treatments, not replace them.

Studies have found that participants handle these programs well, with no serious problems reported, indicating safety for most individuals. The programs focus on providing tools and support to manage anxiety in everyday life, which can improve overall well-being without introducing new risks.

Overall, evidence suggests that group self-management support is a safe choice for those seeking better control over anxiety symptoms. For those considering joining a trial, this approach has shown promise in past research and can be a helpful addition to an existing treatment plan. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the group self-management support program for anxiety disorders because it empowers individuals to actively participate in managing their anxiety, rather than relying solely on medication or one-on-one therapy sessions. Unlike traditional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, this program fosters peer support and collective problem-solving, offering participants a shared space to learn coping strategies and gain support from others facing similar challenges. This approach not only builds community but also enhances self-efficacy, potentially leading to more sustainable, long-term management of anxiety symptoms.

What evidence suggests that this group self-management support program is effective for anxiety disorders?

Research has shown that group self-management support programs can help people with anxiety disorders. In this trial, participants will either receive the group self-management support program or continue with treatment-as-usual. One study found that patients using an online self-help program experienced a greater reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to those who did not. Another study suggested that group peer support might improve overall recovery from anxiety, although it may not significantly affect feelings of hope or empowerment. These findings suggest that group self-management support could be a helpful addition to regular anxiety treatments. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Pasquale Roberge, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Université de Sherbrooke

Janie Houle, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Université du Québec a Montréal

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 in Quebec who speak French and have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders like Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or Social Anxiety Disorder. They must have internet access and a device with a microphone and camera to participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to a computer or tablet connected to the internet with microphone and video camera

I have symptoms of anxiety as confirmed by assessments and an interview.

I am fluent in both speaking and writing French.

Exclusion Criteria

Previous enrolment in the SMS intervention provided by Relief

Active suicidal intentions

Active substance-related and addictive disorder

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 10-week virtual group self-management support program for anxiety disorders in addition to treatment-as-usual

10 weeks

Virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

24 months

Follow-ups at 4, 8, 12, and 24 months post-randomization

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Group self-management support program for anxiety disorders

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual group self-management support program as an addition to usual care for managing anxiety. It's compared against the standard treatment without this program. The effectiveness will be measured at different intervals up to two years after starting.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Group self-management support Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group self-management support program for anxiety disorders developped by Relief (https://myrelief.ca/).

Group II: Treatment-as-usual Active Control 1 Intervention

Treatment-as-usual and a delayed intervention (if desired by participants) after the 12-month follow up

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Université de Sherbrooke

Lead Sponsor

Trials

317

Recruited

79,300+

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Collaborator

Trials

1,417

Recruited

26,550,000+

Relief

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

410+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Current clinical trials for behavioral health interventions often do not monitor adverse events as thoroughly as those for medications and medical devices, focusing mainly on serious incidents like suicide attempts and hospitalizations.

There is a need for expanded monitoring of adverse events in psychotherapy trials to better inform patients about potential risks, including temporary increases in anxiety, which are often overlooked but can impact treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The need for expanded monitoring of adverse events in behavioral health clinical trials. Peterson, AL., Roache, JD., Raj, J., et al.[2012]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8862538/

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of a group self ... This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a group-based self-management support program for anxiety disorders as an add-on to treatment-as-usual in ...

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35189848/

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of a group self ... This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a group-based self-management support program for anxiety disorders as an add-on to treatment-as-usual in ...

3. formative.jmir.org formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e62781

Participatory Intervention Development of a Peer-Guided Self ... This study aims to describe the development of a peer-guided self-help app for anxiety, incorporating input from individuals with lived experience.

4. bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-021-03321-z

A systematic review and meta-analysis of group peer support ... We found evidence that group peer support may make small improvements to overall recovery but not hope or empowerment individually, or to clinical symptoms.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214782924000095

Evaluation of an online-based self-help program for ... Patients using the online self-help intervention revealed a more pronounced reduction in generalized anxiety symptoms compared to the waitlist control group.

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-disease-10-2021-df57d

Group Self-Management Support for Anxiety Disorders This study aims at examining the effectiveness of a virtual group self-management support program (SMS) for anxiety disorders as an add-on to treatment-as-usual ...

7. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/358753630_A_pragmatic_randomized_controlled_trial_of_a_group_self-management_support_program_versus_treatment-as-usual_for_anxiety_disorders_study_protocol

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of a group self- ... This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a group-based self-management support program for anxiety disorders as an add-on to treatment-as-usual in ...