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-11198925

This study is looking into why some people with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders don’t respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and it aims to find early signs that could help predict who might need different treatment options to feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11198925 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind the lack of response to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in patients with 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 focus on a specific biomarker related to self-focused attention, which may help predict which patients are less likely to benefit from CBT. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies for those struggling with anxiety.

Who could benefit from this research

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

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently receiving 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 better identification of patients who are unlikely to respond to CBT, allowing for more tailored and effective treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers related to treatment response in psychological therapies, 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.