Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders
Where We All Meet: ACT as a Conceptual and Therapeutic Transdiagnostic Approach to Adolescents With Different Anxiety Disorders
This study is testing an online therapy program to see if it can help teenagers with anxiety feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 87 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Coimbra Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Coimbra) |
| Trial ID | NCT05906849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the efficacy of an online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention specifically designed for adolescents suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). By utilizing a transdiagnostic approach, the research aims to address the underlying psychological inflexibility that contributes to these anxiety disorders. The study employs a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design with three groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and to explore the mechanisms of change during the therapy. This research seeks to fill the gap in evidence regarding ACT's applicability and effectiveness for adolescents, a demographic where anxiety disorders are prevalent.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, psychotic symptoms, or those undergoing other psychiatric treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide adolescents with effective tools to manage anxiety and improve their psychological flexibility.
How similar studies have performed: While transdiagnostic approaches like ACT have shown promise in adult populations, this specific application to adolescents is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adolescent's sample: No mental health diagnosis; * Adolescents with SAD sample: Main diagnosis of SAD; * Adolescents with GAD sample: Main diagnosis of GAD. Note: adolescents presenting both GAD and SAD will be excluded as its inclusion could confound the projects' results and conclusions. Exclusion criteria: 1. Cognitive impairment (assessed through a clinical interview; MINI-KID \[37,38\]); 2. Presence of psychotic symptoms or suicidal ideation (according to the MINI-KID \[37,38\]); 3. Undergoing another treatment (e.g., medication) for a psychiatric condition.
Where this trial is running
Coimbra
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences - University of Coimbra — Coimbra, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Diana V Figueiredo, M.Sc. — Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), FPCE-UC
- Study coordinator: Diana V Figueiredo, M.Sc.
- Email: diana.v.figueiredo@fpce.uc.pt
- Phone: 968441870
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.