Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Online cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety during MRI

Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for MRI-Related Anxiety

Run by Linkoeping University · NCT07296822 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study will test whether a four-week online CBT program can help people who feel anxious or claustrophobic when getting an MRI.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorLinkoeping University
Government
Locations1 site (Linköping)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2025
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 22, 2025
Trial IDNCT07296822 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

People who self-report problems undergoing MRI due to anxiety or claustrophobia, who can understand written materials and do not have severe mental health problems, are ideal candidates.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with severe mental health disorders or those who cannot read written text or access the internet are unlikely to benefit from this online program.

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

What this trial studies

Participants who report difficulty with MRI will be randomized to receive a four-week internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program either before or after a simulated MRI in a mock scanner. The online program includes information about MRI, anxiety-management strategies, relaxation techniques, and retention exercises. After the intervention period participants will undergo a mock MRI and report their anxiety levels to compare groups. Up to 60 participants plus pilot patients will be enrolled at Linköping University.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower MRI-related anxiety and make scans easier to complete without sedation or repeated appointments.

How similar studies have gone: Face-to-face CBT has reduced claustrophobia and MRI anxiety in prior work and internet-based CBT is effective for other anxiety disorders, though iCBT specifically for MRI anxiety is less extensively studied.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* self-perceived problems with doing MRI examinations

Exclusion Criteria:

* difficulty understanding written text
* severe mental health problems

Where it's running

  • Linköping University
    Linköping, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.