Group intervention to improve interpersonal skills in patients with depression and anxiety
Efficacy and Feasibility of a Transdiagnostic Augmentation Therapy for Improving Interpersonal Skills Using the Kiesler Circle Training (KCT)
This study is testing if adding Kiesler Circle Training to standard therapy can help people with depression and anxiety improve their social skills and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 156 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Charite University, Berlin, Germany Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Berlin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06170801 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effectiveness of standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with an enhanced version that includes Kiesler Circle Training (KCT) for patients suffering from depressive and anxiety disorders. It is a bicentre, randomized clinical trial involving 156 outpatients who will receive either CBT alone or CBT augmented by KCT. Participants will be assessed at multiple time points to evaluate changes in interpersonal problems and symptom severity. The study aims to determine if the combined approach leads to greater improvements in interpersonal skills and overall mental health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are outpatients with a primary diagnosis of depressive or anxiety disorders who are currently undergoing individual CBT and have interpersonal distress above average.
Not a fit: Patients with acute suicidality, active substance abuse, or certain personality disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance interpersonal skills and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using group interventions to enhance psychotherapy outcomes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Sufficient knowledge of the German language (B2 level) * Primary diagnosis of either depressive disorder or anxiety disorder according to DSM-5 at time of screening * Interpersonal distress above average (IIP-32 \> 1.81) at time of screening * Ongoing individual CBT at time of screening * Signed informed consent regarding the study protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Acute suicidality at time of screening * Active substance abuse at time of screening * Borderline, antisocial, schizoid or schizotypic personality disorder at time of screening * Inability to participate in outpatient treatment with additional weekly group appointment at time of screening * Any kind of additional group treatment (including self-help groups) besides individual CBT during the entire study period
Where this trial is running
Berlin
- Charité — Berlin, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anne Guhn, Dr. — Charite University, Berlin, Germany
- Study coordinator: Anne Guhn, Dr.
- Email: anne.guhn@charite.de
- Phone: +49 30 450 517456
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.