Comparing two therapies for treating anxiety disorders
Respiratory Training in the Treatment of Transdiagnostic Pathological Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is testing two different therapies for anxiety to see which one helps people feel less anxious and improve their mental health better than just learning about anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05427708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare two distinct interventions for treating pathological anxiety: Interoceptive Exposure (IE), which involves exposure to bodily sensations associated with anxiety, and Capnometry-Guided Respiratory Intervention (CGRI), which focuses on increasing carbon dioxide levels to alleviate anxiety symptoms. A third group will receive psycho-education about anxiety as a control. The study will assess the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing anxiety sensitivity and improving overall mental health. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups to evaluate the outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who experience clinically elevated anxiety and meet DSM-5 criteria for specific anxiety or trauma-related disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with significant medical conditions that contraindicate participation in fear-provocation or respiratory challenges may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new, effective treatment options for individuals suffering from various anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promise for both Interoceptive Exposure and Capnometry-Guided Respiratory Intervention, indicating potential for success in this trial.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Clinically elevated anxiety as indicated by an eight or higher on the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS). 2. Meets DSM-5 criteria for one or more of the following anxiety or trauma-related disorders as their "primary" mental disorder: * Generalized Anxiety Disorder * Panic Disorder * Health Anxiety * Agoraphobia * Social Anxiety Disorder * Posttraumatic Stress Disorder * Acute Stress Disorder * Adjustment Disorder with primary anxious mood * Anxiety disorder not otherwise specified 3. No current use of psychotropic medications or stable on current medications for at least 6 weeks 4. Age 18+. 5. Able to arrange transportation to our laboratory for study appointments. 6. Fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria: 1. No history of medical conditions that would contraindicate participation in fear-provocation or respiratory challenges, including: * Cardiovascular or respiratory disorders * High blood pressure * Epilepsy * Strokes * Seizures * History of fainting * Pregnant or lactating 2. Not currently receiving other psychological treatment for anxiety. 3. No history of a suicide attempt within the past 6 months. 4. No history of psychosis within the past 6 months. 5. No history of moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorder (with the exception of nicotine) within the past 3 months. 6. Does not endorse COVID-19 symptoms during the screening phase.
Where this trial is running
Austin, Texas
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michael J Telch, PhD
- Email: telch@austin.utexas.edu
- Phone: 512-814-5480
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.