Improving Short Treatments for Anxiety and PTSD in South Africa
Official title: Brief Transdiagnostic Treatment for Anxiety Disorders and PTSD in South Africa: A Hybrid-Effectiveness Trial
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11158718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores a quick, new way to help people in South Africa who experience anxiety and PTSD in local health clinics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $183,968 |
| NIH project number | 5K01TW012180-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals in South Africa experiencing anxiety disorders or PTSD who are seeking mental health support in a primary care setting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living outside of South Africa or those not experiencing anxiety disorders or PTSD would not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
What this research studies
Many people in low and middle-income countries face challenges with anxiety and PTSD, but often lack access to effective care because existing treatments can be lengthy and complex. This project focuses on a shorter, more flexible treatment called False Safety Behavior Elimination Treatment (F-SET) that can help with both anxiety and PTSD at once. We are working to make this treatment easier to deliver in primary care clinics in South Africa, where specialized mental health providers are scarce. The aim is to provide a culturally appropriate and less complicated option to help more people get the support they need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a more accessible and effective way for many people in South Africa to find relief from anxiety and PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: While evidence-based treatments for anxiety and PTSD exist, this project tests a specific brief, broad approach (F-SET) for its effectiveness and ease of use in South African primary care clinics.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Korte, Kristina Jo — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Korte, Kristina Jo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.