Exposure therapy for anxiety in older adults
Official title: Defeating Fear With Exposure Therapy Delivered by Mental Health Nurses in Primary Care for Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults - a Cluster-randomised Controlled Trial
Run by ProPersona · NCT06770517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if exposure therapy from trained nurses can help older adults with anxiety feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 170 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | ProPersona Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nederland, Nijmegen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 23, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 19, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06770517 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults diagnosed with a primary DSM-5 anxiety disorder, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder, who are proficient in Dutch.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with moderate to severe suicidality, significant cognitive impairment, or those who have received exposure therapy in the past year may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of exposure therapy delivered by trained mental health nurses for older adults suffering from anxiety disorders in primary care settings. Participants will receive eight 30-minute sessions of exposure therapy over 12 weeks, with assessments of anxiety severity, quality of life, and societal costs conducted before, during, and after treatment, including a one-year follow-up. The study aims to address the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of anxiety in older adults, who often prefer psychotherapy over medication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for older adults with anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with exposure therapy for anxiety disorders in adults, but this specific application for older adults in primary care is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A primary DSM-5 anxiety disorder using the Mini Internationaal Neuropsychiatrisch Interview (MINI). * One of the following DSM-5 anxiety disorders will be diagnosed, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia, Panic Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder. * Participants are required to be sufficient in Dutch. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria include somatic and/or another psychiatric morbidity that could interfere with diagnosing or treatment. * Moderate to severe suicidality, which will be determined using the MINI * Chronic and interfering substance or alcohol abuse * Having received previous psychotherapy including exposure in the past year. - * Antidepressants and benzodiazepines use are allowed if on a stable dose for a minimum of 8 weeks. * Participants will be excluded if they score lower than 18 points on the MoCa (115). A score of \<18 is indicative for moderate to severe cognitive impairment. - Participants will be excluded if they are terminally ill.
Where it's running
-
RadboudUMC
Nederland, Nijmegen, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gert-Jan Hendriks, Professor
- Email: g.hendriks@propersona.nl
- Phone: +31510038897
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.