Mindful Self-Compassion training for anxiety and depression
Mindful Self-Compassion for Anxiety Disorders and Depression
This study is testing if an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion training program can help people with anxiety and depression feel better compared to those who don't take the training.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Georgetown University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05671419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effects of an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion training program against a control group on the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder. The intervention aims to enhance self-compassion and reduce self-judgment, which are often lower in individuals with anxiety and depression. Participants will be randomized to either receive the training or not, allowing for a comparison of outcomes related to their mental health. The study seeks to provide an alternative treatment option that may be more accessible and acceptable for patients reluctant to engage in traditional psychiatric care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a primary anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder who exhibit low levels of self-compassion.
Not a fit: Patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders, serious medical conditions, or those who have recently experienced substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a valuable non-pharmacological treatment option for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that mindfulness-based interventions can effectively improve self-compassion and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- 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
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.