Investigating how CBT affects brain circuits in anxiety
Official title: The Impact of CBT on Shock-Potentiated Neural Circuity
Run by UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office · NCT05549102 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) changes brain activity in people with anxiety to help improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 174 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 2, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | June 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05549102 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals enrolled in high-intensity IAPT services with moderate anxiety levels.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe anxiety or those currently on psychotropic medications 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 observational study aims to explore the neural circuitry changes associated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in individuals with anxiety disorders. By comparing brain connectivity and emotional processing before and after a course of CBT, the study seeks to identify specific neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to the therapy's effectiveness. Participants will be recruited from Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and will undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) alongside cognitive assessments. The findings may lead to more targeted psychological interventions for anxiety disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the efficacy of CBT and improve treatment outcomes for patients with anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on CBT and anxiety, this approach focusing on neural circuitry is relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Enrolled in IAPT Step 3 (high intensity service) * Score of or above 8 on the GAD-7 (indicating moderate anxiety on a standard scale of anxiety; Spitzer et al., 2006) * Willing and able to provide written consent Exclusion Criteria: * Score above 22 on the GAD-7 * Past/present psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder/mania or alcohol/substance use disorder (outside a comorbid psychiatric episode) * History of medical illness that may impair cognitive function (e.g. serious head injury, endocrine disorder) * Current psychotropic pharmacological intervention (e.g. SSRIs) or use within 3 months * MRI contraindications such as pacemaker, aneurysm clip, cochlear implant, neurostimulator, IUD, shrapnel, metal fragments in eye, weight of above 250lbs or claustrophobia * Females who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
Where it's running
-
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London
London, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emily Lewis
- Email: emily.lewis.23@ucl.ac.uk
- Phone: 02039872331
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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.