Behavioral experiments for treating anxiety in adolescents
Behavioural Experiments for Intolerance of Uncertainty: A Novel Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents - A Pilot Study
This study tests a new way to help teenagers with anxiety feel better by using behavioral experiments to see if it can improve their symptoms and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 8 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universite du Quebec en Outaouais Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gatineau, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT06282133 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study focuses on adolescents aged 14 to 18 diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It employs a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach that includes behavioral experiments aimed at reducing intolerance of uncertainty. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this intervention in improving anxiety symptoms and overall quality of life for participants. By maintaining stable medication status and excluding other therapeutic interventions, the study seeks to isolate the effects of the behavioral experiments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 14 to 18 with a primary diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with concurrent mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those currently undergoing other psychotherapeutic treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the management of anxiety symptoms in adolescents, leading to better emotional and social outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for treating anxiety disorders in adolescents, suggesting a positive outlook for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years; 2) primary diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD); 3) no change in type or dose of medication in the 4 to 12 weeks preceding entry into the study (4 weeks for benzodiazepines, 12 weeks for antidepressants, hypnotics, and psychostimulants); 4) willingness to maintain stable medication status during participation in the study; 5) absence of consumption of herbal products known to have effects on the central nervous system in the 2 weeks preceding entry into the study; 6) absence of evidence of suicidal intent (based on clinical judgment); 7) absence of evidence of current substance use, current or past schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or organic mental disorder; 8) absence of current participation in other clinical trials (i.e., psychotherapeutic services); 9) absence of concurrent psychotherapy during the trial treatment phase; 10) absence of evidence of anxiety symptoms due to a general medical condition based on clinical judgment (e.g., clinical hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, anemia).
Where this trial is running
Gatineau, Quebec
- Universite du Quebec en Outaouais — Gatineau, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michel J. Dugas, Ph.D. — Universite du Quebec en Outaouais
- Study coordinator: Sylvain C. Lemay, B.A. Psych
- Email: anxiete@uqo.ca
- Phone: 819-595-3900
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.