Mindful Self-Compassion delivered in person versus by video for anxiety and depression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

At Georgetown University adults with a primary anxiety disorder or current major depressive disorder who score low on self-compassion are randomized to an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion class delivered either in person or by live video-conference. The intervention teaches mindfulness and self-compassion skills in weekly sessions and outcomes include changes in anxiety and depression symptom severity and self-compassion scores measured before and after the program. The trial compares the two delivery methods to determine whether remote delivery is as effective and acceptable as in-person classes. Study visits and standardized symptom/self-compassion measures are used to track changes over time.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Must have a primary anxiety disorder (social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or agoraphobia) or major depressive disorder, current
* Must score low on self-compassion, as measured by the self-compassion scale
* Must understand study procedure and willing to participate in all testing visits, and treatment as assigned
* Must be able to give informed consent to the study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Comorbid psychiatric disorder other than anxiety or depression, such as psychotic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders (i.e., anorexia and bulimia), bipolar disorder; developmental or organic mental disorders; and current (past 6 months) substance use disorders and current post-traumatic stress disorder as assessed by clinician at screening visit
* A serious medical condition that may result in surgery or hospitalization.
* A history of head trauma causing prolonged loss of consciousness, or ongoing cognitive impairment
* Inability to understand study procedures or informed consent process, or significant personality dysfunction likely to interfere with study participation (assessed during the clinical interview).
* Subjects who will be non-compliant with the study procedures. This may include planned travel out of town.
* Subjects taking some psychiatric medication such as barbiturates or antipsychotics. Sleep medications and some anti-depressants will be allowed, if the subject has been taken at stable dose 8 weeks prior to baseline and the patient plans to continue at the same dose through the trial.
* Concurrent psychotherapy initiated within 1 month of screen interview, or ongoing psychotherapy of any duration directed specifically toward the treatment of anxiety (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
* Individuals who have completed a course of MSC or an equivalent meditation training in the last year.
* Individuals reporting significant active suicidal ideation or suicidal behaviors within the past year.
* Individuals with a medical condition (i.e., epilepsy) that may be exacerbated by study treatment, as determined by a study physician or nurse practitioner based on history, physical, and/or labs.
* Adults unable to consent
* Pregnant women
* Prisoners

Where it's running

• Georgetown University Medical Center
  Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elizabeth Hoge, MD — Georgetown University
• Study coordinator: Charisma Study Coordinator
• Email: anxietyresearch@georgetown.edu
• Phone: 202-687-7283

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Internet-based treatment for anxiety and depression in adolescents

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.