Comparing brief-intensive cognitive behavioral therapy with weekly therapy for anxiety disorders

Fast Recovery from Anxiety-related Disorders: Brief-intensive CBT Versus Once-weekly CBT

Not applicable Interventional Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · NCT05942391

This study is testing whether a fast-paced, intensive form of cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults with anxiety disorders feel better compared to the traditional weekly therapy sessions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Amstelveen and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05942391 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of brief-intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) against traditional weekly CBT in adults with anxiety-related disorders. Participants will undergo either 16 sessions of CBT in a two-week period followed by four follow-up sessions, or 20 weekly sessions of CBT over six months. The study will assess improvements in functioning across various domains, including work and social interactions, over the course of one year. This multicenter, randomized controlled trial seeks to provide evidence for the potential benefits of a more intensive treatment approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who are seeking mental health care for anxiety-related disorders such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, or PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients requiring emergency mental health care or those with significant cognitive limitations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to faster recovery times and improved functioning for patients with anxiety-related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While some institutions have implemented brief-intensive CBT, there is insufficient evidence from previous studies to fully justify its effectiveness compared to traditional methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age 18 years or older;

Reaching out for mental health care for one of the following disorders:

panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Is in need of emergency mental health care
* Has insufficient language skills in Dutch
* Has evident cognitive limitations
* Has had changes in the use of medication during the last 3 months.

Where this trial is running

Amstelveen and 5 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 Anxiety DisordersObsessive-Compulsive DisorderPosttraumatic Stress DisorderHypochondriasisagoraphobiasocial anxiety disordergeneralized anxiety disorderpanic disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.