Computer-based therapy for anxiety and alcohol use disorders
Validating an Autonomous Interactive Internet-Based Delivery of an Empirically Supported Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Comorbidity
This study is testing a computer-based therapy for people with both anxiety and alcohol use disorders to see if it helps them feel better compared to standard treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 256 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT05117255 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) designed for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The study will conduct a randomized controlled trial to compare outcomes between patients receiving standard AUD treatment and those receiving the specialized computer-delivered CBT. The goal is to determine if this innovative approach can improve treatment outcomes for patients with co-occurring conditions, thereby increasing accessibility to effective therapy. If successful, this program could provide a scalable and cost-effective solution for many individuals in need of treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals currently diagnosed with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or social anxiety disorder who are receiving treatment for alcohol dependence.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive or medical impairments, serious suicide risk, or those under court-ordered treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with alcohol use disorder and co-occurring anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with therapist-delivered versions of this CBT approach, but the computer-delivered format is novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * current (past 30 days) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) diagnosis of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD/Ag), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) * receiving treatment primarily for alcohol (vs. drug) dependence * ability to provide informed consent * a minimum of an eighth grade English reading level * status as a residential patient in the Lodging Plus (LP) addiction treatment program * sufficient time left in their residential LP care to complete the study protocol through the post-treatment assessment Exclusion Criteria: * cognitive or medical impairments that prohibit study participation as determined by study PI * serious suicide risk determined by study PI * court-ordered treatment. (The exclusion is based on its classification as a "vulnerable" population.) * Self-reported past participation in a Kushner intervention study while in Lodging Plus
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Lodging Plus Program, Fairview Hospital — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lilly Hartnett
- Email: anxietystudy@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-625-7546
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.