Cognitive behavioral therapy for veterans with anxiety and alcohol use issues
Addressing Mental Health Comorbidities: Integrated CBT to Improve Functioning in Veterans With Co-Occurring Anxiety and Substance Use
This study tests a special therapy program for veterans with anxiety and drinking problems to see if it helps them feel better and improve their lives.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT04871100 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy program designed for veterans who experience anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and hazardous drinking. The program aims to address these co-occurring issues simultaneously, which can improve psychosocial functioning and quality of life. By adapting the Unified Protocol specifically for veterans, the study seeks to provide a more integrated treatment approach that may enhance recovery outcomes. Participants will receive the Unified Protocol along with usual care to assess improvements in their mental health and functioning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans diagnosed with anxiety disorders and who engage in hazardous alcohol use.
Not a fit: Patients requiring acute medically-supervised detoxification or those with high-risk suicidality, psychotic symptoms, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for veterans struggling with anxiety and alcohol use.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using integrated approaches for treating co-occurring mental health disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * meeting diagnostic criteria for current anxiety disorder and * endorsing hazardous alcohol use Exclusion Criteria: -need for acute medically-supervised detoxification with exclusionary criteria of * high-risk suicidality * psychotic symptoms, or * cognitive impairment that could interfere with engagement in weekly psychotherapy
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anthony Ecker, PhD — Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX
- Study coordinator: Anthony Ecker, PhD
- Email: anthony.ecker@va.gov
- Phone: (713) 440-4400
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.