Attention training for anxiety and depression in heart disease patients

Attention Training Technique in Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Coronary Heart Disease Patients -a Randomized Controlled Trial With 6 Months Follow-up

Not applicable Interventional Vestre Viken Hospital Trust · NCT05621408

This study tests if a special attention training program can help reduce anxiety and depression in people with heart disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorVestre Viken Hospital Trust Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Tønsberg, Vestfold and Telemark County and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05621408 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of an Attention Training Technique (ATT) in treating anxiety and depression among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). It is a randomized controlled trial that compares group-attention training to a wait-list control group, involving 64 participants who exhibit significant symptoms of anxiety or depression. The study aims to address the high prevalence of these psychological conditions in CHD patients and their impact on cardiovascular outcomes and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with established coronary heart disease and significant anxiety or depression symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health disorders, cognitive impairments, or those currently undergoing other psychological interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health and potentially reduce cardiovascular risks in patients with coronary heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: While psychological interventions for anxiety and depression in CHD patients have shown limited effects, this specific approach using attention training is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Established coronary heart disease as main somatic disease
* \>=8 on either HADS-anxiety or depression subscale
* Age 18 - 65 years
* The ability to understand and speak Norwegian language,
* Willingness and ability to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or past neurological illness
* Traumatic brain injury
* Current alcohol and/or substance dependency disorders
* Psychotic disorders
* Bipolar disorders
* Developmental disorders
* Mental retardation
* Cognitive impairment which precludes informed consent/ability to participate
* Acute suicidality
* Life-expectancy less than 12 months
* Concurrent psychological intervention for emotional distress
* Antidepressant or anxiolytic medication initiated during previous 8 weeks

Where this trial is running

Tønsberg, Vestfold and Telemark County and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depression, AnxietyCoronary Artery Disease
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.