Stress and Anxiety for Adjustment Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how stress and anxiety influence decision-making and adaptation to new situations. Researchers use tasks like the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Task (SECPT) to observe changes in decision-making processes under stress. The trial suits individuals who speak English fluently and have experienced anxiety or have a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Participants should not have high blood pressure, heart conditions, or certain other medical conditions. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding anxiety's impact on decision-making.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you have been on a stable dose of psychiatric medication for at least 4 weeks before participating. If you are taking corticosteroids or beta-blockers, you will need to stop taking them to join the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Task (SECPT), a method used to induce stress, is generally safe for participants. Studies have found that it reliably triggers the body's stress responses, such as slight increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, a stress hormone. These changes are normal reactions to stress and are usually not harmful to healthy individuals. However, factors like gender, genetics, and smoking can influence stress responses.
No strong evidence of serious side effects exists, indicating that most people handle the SECPT well. However, those with specific health concerns should consult a healthcare provider before participating.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different tasks impact stress and anxiety levels in individuals with adjustment disorder. Unlike traditional treatments like therapy and medication, this trial examines the body's neuroendocrine response, specifically cortisol, to stress tasks like the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Task (SECPT). The goal is to understand how various stress and non-stress tasks affect value adaptation and emotional responses, which could lead to new insights into managing anxiety and stress. By focusing on the biological responses to these tasks, the trial could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for stress and anxiety?
Research has shown that the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Task (SECPT), which participants in this trial may undergo, effectively causes stress by activating the body's stress system, the HPA axis. Studies have found that this stress response can impact decision-making and learning, potentially helping researchers understand anxiety better. The SECPT combines social and physical stress to influence trust and social behaviors. In past studies, the SECPT significantly increased stress levels and altered responses to rewards and habits. This suggests that the SECPT could be a useful tool for studying stress and anxiety in individuals with adjustment disorders. Meanwhile, participants in other trial arms will complete a non-stressful control task, allowing researchers to compare the effects of stress versus non-stressful conditions.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Candace Raio, PhD
Principal Investigator
NYU Langone Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals experiencing adjustment disorder, which can occur after a stressful life event. Participants should be interested in how stress and anxiety affect their decision-making processes. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants would need to meet certain health and demographic requirements.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Study Visit
Participants complete demographic and self-report measures, followed by random assignment to complete either the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Task (SECPT) or a non-stressful control task. Cortisol samples are collected throughout the session.
Behavioral Task
Participants complete various tasks such as the Food Value Adaptation Task, Image Value Adaptation Task, and Affective Prediction Error Task to assess decision-making variables.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any changes in stress and anxiety levels post-study visit.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Non-Stressful Control Task
- Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Task (SECPT)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NYU Langone Health
Lead Sponsor