Comparing two types of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders

Transdiagnostic Versus Diagnosis-specific Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT05249543

This study is testing whether a new type of cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people with different anxiety disorders feel better compared to a more traditional approach.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment76 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT05249543 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial comparing transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) using the unified protocol with diagnosis-specific CBT for patients suffering from various anxiety disorders. The study will evaluate participant recruitment, retention, therapist competence, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction in routine psychiatric outpatient care in Stockholm, Sweden. Additionally, it will explore the clinical effects of both treatment approaches on anxiety severity, depressive symptoms, and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a principal diagnosis of panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with current psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, severe substance use disorders, or those at moderate to severe risk of suicide may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective treatment options for patients with anxiety disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in comparing transdiagnostic and diagnosis-specific approaches, indicating potential for meaningful insights in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-65 years of age,
* Being able to speak Swedish without interpreter support,
* A principal diagnosis of panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder, and
* Pharmacological treatment (if any) that is stable six weeks prior to treatment start

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or moderate to severe substance use disorder,
* Moderate to severe risk of suicide,
* Psychiatric, somatic, or social problems which require other management or intervention than cognitive-behavioral therapy, and
* Other simultaneous psychological treatment

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

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 Panic DisorderGeneralized Anxiety DisorderSocial Anxiety DisorderObsessive-Compulsive DisorderPosttraumatic Stress DisorderTransdiagnostic TreatmentUnified ProtocolCognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.