Evaluating group medical visits for anxiety and depression treatment
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Medical Visits for Anxiety and Depression
This study is testing if virtual group sessions can help people with anxiety and depression feel better compared to regular one-on-one psychiatric care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba) |
| Trial ID | NCT06651801 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of Group Medical Visits (GMVs) for patients suffering from anxiety and depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the GMV intervention group, which involves biweekly virtual group sessions, or a control group receiving standard psychiatric care. The study seeks to gather initial data on the effectiveness of GMVs in reducing anxiety and depression scores, which will inform future larger randomized controlled trials. The focus is on understanding whether GMVs can be a viable alternative to traditional one-on-one psychiatric follow-ups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with anxiety disorders or depression who can participate in English-language virtual group sessions.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder or those already receiving established psychiatric care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more accessible and supportive treatment option for patients with anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of group medical visits is not entirely novel, this specific pilot study will provide valuable insights into its feasibility and acceptability for mental health care.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult Central Intake patients (patients referred for psychiatric consultation by their primary care provider) whose primary mental health issue is an anxiety disorder (social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or panic disorder) or depression (major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder) * Able to participate in English language group with up to 10 participants * Able to commit to a virtual biweekly group for about 1.5 hours each group * Able to do virtual group from a private location with camera access * Live in community in Manitoba and plan to stay for 6-month period Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with Bipolar 1 or 2 Disorder (even if current episode depression) * Primary diagnosis of a personality disorder leading to anxiety/depression symptoms (personality disorder traits are not an exclusion criteria) * Patients who already have established longitudinal care with a psychiatrist * Received ECT treatment within past 6 months * Any diagnosis that would significantly impact ability to participate in the group. For example: * Moderate-to-severe substance use disorders (in particular substance use throughout day or inability to attend group without using substances before) * Current psychotic symptoms * Moderate-to-severe intellectual disability or neurocognitive disorder * Current significant eating disorder symptoms (for example resulting in significant weight loss/malnutrition or that take up a significant part of the day either mentally or physically) * Self harm behaviour requiring medical/psychiatric attention or active suicidal ideation/suicide attempts within the past 6 months * Concern about safety of other group members/facilitators if this patient were to join
Where this trial is running
Winnipeg, Manitoba
- PsycHealth Centre — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kirsten Penner-Goeke, MD
- Email: kpennergoeke2@hsc.mb.ca
- Phone: 204-787-7949
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.