Comparing Psychoanalytic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Short-Term Psychoanalytic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

NA · Beykoz University · NCT06831708

This study is testing whether short-term psychoanalytic therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works better for adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeykoz University (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06831708 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of short-term psychoanalytic therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). A total of 60 adult participants diagnosed with GAD will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: psychoanalytic therapy, CBT, or a control group. Each treatment group will undergo 12 weekly sessions lasting 50 minutes, with therapists trained to apply standardized frameworks for both therapeutic approaches. The study will assess clinical outcomes to determine which therapy is more effective for GAD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with a confirmed diagnosis of GAD made within the past two years.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbid psychiatric disorders or recent changes in psychotropic medication may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence for the most effective psychotherapy approach for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success in comparing psychotherapeutic approaches for anxiety disorders, making this a relevant investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65 years.
* A confirmed diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) according to DSM-5 criteria, with the diagnosis made within the past 2 years.
* No participation in any form of psychotherapy during the past 6 months.
* Ability and willingness to attend 12 weekly therapy sessions (50 minutes each) over the 3-month intervention period.
* For participants receiving online sessions: access to a stable internet connection and the necessary technology.
* Ability to understand and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of significant comorbid psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation or assessment (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders).
* Recent changes in psychotropic medication (i.e., medication changes within the past 3 months, unless on a stable dose).
* Severe medical or neurological conditions that may interfere with study participation or data interpretation.
* Current participation in another clinical trial or structured psychotherapy program.
* Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would compromise the safety or compliance of the participant in the study.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, RCT, Anxiety, Short-Term Psychotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.