Teletherapy versus in-person third-wave CBT for generalized anxiety disorder
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Teletherapy and In-Person Third-Wave CBT for Generalized Anxiety Disorders
This trial will test whether weekly teletherapy works as well as face-to-face third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy for adults aged 18–45 in Pakistan with generalized anxiety disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Government College University Faisalabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Faisalabad, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07119515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, parallel-group trial will enroll adults (18–45) in Faisalabad diagnosed with GAD by DSM-5-TR criteria and randomize them to 12 weekly third-wave CBT sessions delivered either via secure video conferencing or in person. Both arms follow the same standardized protocol integrating mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral strategies, with identical session content. Primary outcomes include changes in anxiety severity (HAM-A, GAD-7) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and secondary outcomes include perceived stress (PSS), work and social adjustment (WSAS), and therapeutic alliance (WAI), measured at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The trial is conducted at Allied Hospital II, Faisalabad, and excludes participants with high suicide risk, severe comorbid psychiatric or medical conditions or concurrent psychological treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 in Pakistan who meet DSM-5-TR criteria for GAD, can read English, have internet access for teletherapy if needed, and can commit to weekly sessions and follow-up assessments.
Not a fit: People with high suicide risk, severe psychiatric comorbidity (such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe personality disorder), those receiving concurrent psychotherapy or with recent medication changes, or those without internet access or ability to attend in-person visits are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, teletherapy could provide comparable symptom reduction to in-person CBT while expanding access to evidence-based care for young adults with GAD in Pakistan.
How similar studies have performed: Multiple randomized trials in higher-income settings have shown teletherapy CBT can be comparable to in-person CBT for anxiety disorders, but this trial tests that approach in a Pakistani clinical setting.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥18-≤45 years -meeting the diagnostic criteria according to DSM-5 TR -ability to understand and read English -ability to use digital technology and having access to the Internet -signed an informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * the presence of risk of suicide and self-destructive behaviors -presence of another severe mental disorder (i.e., substance abuse, psychotic disorder, or bipolar disorder) -presence of severe personality disorder -presence of a medical condition whose severity or characteristics prevent participation in treatment -receiving another psychological treatment during the study * an increase or change in medication during the study period
Where this trial is running
Faisalabad, Punjab Province
- Allied Hospital II — Faisalabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Imaan Sabeeh, MS Scholar — Government College University Faisalabad
- Study coordinator: imaan Sabeeh, MS Scholar
- Email: imaansabeeh@gmail.com
- Phone: +92-309-7000728
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.