Understanding why some patients don't respond to cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety

Contributions of Self-Focused Attention to Early Warning Indicators of CBT Non-Response

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-11115730

This study is looking into why some people with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders don’t get better with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and it hopes to find clues that can help doctors personalize treatment for those who might have a harder time with it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115730 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind why some patients do not respond to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It aims to identify early warning signs of non-response by examining various clinical, behavioral, and neural measurements before, during, and after treatment. By utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, the study will analyze data to find a specific biomarker related to self-focused attention that could predict treatment outcomes. This could help tailor interventions for patients who may struggle with CBT.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders who are beginning cognitive behavioral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy or those with conditions unrelated to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients who are at risk of not responding to CBT.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers related to treatment response, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.