Thinking skills and how they relate to depression, anxiety, and work functioning
AtWork: The Relation Between Cognitive Functioning, Common Mental Disorders and Work Functioning
This project will try metacognitive therapy with a work focus to see if it improves thinking skills and helps people with depression or anxiety who are at risk of sick leave return to work.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Norwegian University of Science and Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oslo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07349550 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This naturalistic observational study follows outpatients with depression or anxiety who are at risk of sick leave as they receive metacognitive therapy combined with work-focused interventions at an ordinary clinic. Researchers measure cognitive functioning, symptoms, and work outcomes over time to see how changes in thinking skills relate to sick leave and return-to-work. The design is non-randomized and reflects routine clinical practice rather than a controlled intervention. Findings aim to identify whether impaired cognitive functioning predicts longer sick leave or poorer vocational recovery and whether cognitive function changes following therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety who are at risk of sick leave and can attend outpatient treatment at the participating clinic are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with cluster A or B personality disorders, ongoing substance abuse, psychosis, acute suicidality, or serious somatic illnesses are excluded and may not benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians tailor treatment to improve cognitive functioning and support faster, more stable return-to-work for people with depression or anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Metacognitive therapy has shown symptom benefits in other settings, but there are few or no prior studies specifically linking changes in cognitive functioning to return-to-work outcomes in depression or anxiety.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety, * at risk of sick leave Exclusion Criteria: * personality disorders cluster A or B, * ongoing substance abuse, * symptoms of psychosis, * acute suicidality, * serious somatic disorders
Where this trial is running
Oslo
- Diakonhjemmet hospital — Oslo, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Odin Hjemdal, PhD
- Email: odin.hjemdal@ntnu.no
- Phone: +4773597889
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.