Exposure-Based Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Anxiety-, obsessive-compulsive and trauma- and stressor-related disorders reflect a significant public health problem. This study is designed to evaluate the predictive power of a novel biomarker based on a CO2 challenge, thus addressing the central question "can this easy-to-administer assay aid clinicians in deciding whether or not to initiate exposure-based therapy?"
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you have been stable on your current medication regimen for at least 8 weeks before the screening, you can continue taking them during the trial.
Is exposure-based therapy safe for treating anxiety disorders?
How is exposure-based therapy different from other treatments for anxiety disorders?
Exposure-based therapy is unique because it involves facing anxiety-inducing situations directly, rather than avoiding them, which helps reduce fear over time. Unlike some other treatments, it focuses on gradually increasing exposure to the source of anxiety to help patients build tolerance and reduce their symptoms.13678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Exposure-Based Therapy for Anxiety Disorders?
Research shows that exposure therapy is effective for treating anxiety-related disorders, including PTSD and panic disorder with agoraphobia. It helps many people, although not everyone experiences full relief, and it is considered one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and related conditions.1691011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jasper Smits, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
The University of Texas at Austin
Michael Otto, PhD
Principal Investigator
Boston University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults aged 18-70 with anxiety, OCD, or PTSD who can consent and follow the study plan. They must speak English and have a certain level of anxiety. Those stable on meds for at least 8 weeks may join; however, people with bipolar/psychotic disorders, recent substance/eating disorders, serious cognitive issues, or conditions that make CO2 challenges unsafe cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
CO2 Reactivity Assessment
Participants undergo CO2 reactivity assessment to evaluate biomarker predictive power for exposure-based therapy non-response
Treatment
Participants receive open, state-of-the-art, transdiagnostic exposure-based therapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exposure-Based Therapy
Exposure-Based Therapy is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Texas at Austin
Lead Sponsor
Boston University
Collaborator
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator