Understanding why some patients don't respond to cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety
Official title: Contributions of Self-Focused Attention to Early Warning Indicators of CBT Non-Response
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11198925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,495 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH133581-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11198925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders who are undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fang, Angela — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Fang, Angela
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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.