Online therapy for anxiety after heart issues

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

This study evaluates an online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program designed for patients recovering from Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) to reduce cardiac anxiety, improve quality of life, and encourage physical activity. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the internet-based CBT group or an active control group receiving internet-based cardiac lifestyle intervention. Both groups will receive weekly therapist support through online communication over an 8-week period. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of the online CBT protocol in alleviating anxiety and enhancing overall well-being in ACS patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* ACS ≥ 6 months before assessment (type 1 MI STEMI/NSTEMI or unstable angina \[UA\])
* Age 18 and older
* Clinically significant cardiac anxiety that leads to distress and/or interferes with daily life (Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire; CAQ: ≥18
* Able to read and write in Swedish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Heart failure New York heart Association class IV or ejection fraction ≤ 30%
* Significant valvular disease
* Planned coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous interventions
* Any medical restriction to physical exercise
* Severe medical illness or an acute health threatening disease (e.g., cancer)
* Grade 3 hypertension (i.e., blood pressure ≥ 180 systolic and/or 110 diastolic)
* Severe mental illness requiring urgent psychiatric hospitalization or intervention, or risk of suicide
* Alcohol or substance use disorder that would impede ability to complete study protocol
* Ongoing psychological treatment

Where it's running

• Karolinska University Hospital
  Stockholm, Sweden Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Josefin Särnholm, Lic psychologist, PhD
• Email: josefin.sarnholm@ki.se
• Phone: + 46 852483258

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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.