Ultra-brief and brief transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy for emotional symptoms
Official title: Ultra-brief Psychological Treatments for Emocional Symptoms and Disorders: An Efficacy and Efficiency Analysis
Run by Universidad de Córdoba · NCT06909669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether four-session and eight-session transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral treatments can help adults with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or related emotional symptoms compared with a relaxation control.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 184 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidad de Córdoba Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Córdoba, Córdoba and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06909669 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with mild to moderate emotional symptoms (PHQ-9, GAD-7, or PHQ-15 scores meeting inclusion criteria) without bipolar or psychotic disorders, personality disorders, recent suicide attempts, or active severe symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe psychiatric conditions, active substance use disorders, or very high symptom severity may not benefit or may require alternative care.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares four interventions: ultra-brief group therapy, brief group therapy, ultra-brief individual therapy, and a group relaxation control. Participants with mild to moderate emotional symptoms are assigned to one of the four formats to see if brevity of therapy affects outcomes. The study also explores which emotional regulation processes and common therapeutic factors are linked to improvement. Inclusion requires scores indicating distress on PHQ-9, GAD-7, or PHQ-15; several conditions are excluded, including bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance abuse, and recent suicidality. The interventions are delivered in Spain across collaborating institutions led by the Universidad de Córdoba.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reductions in anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms with shorter, more accessible therapy formats.
How similar studies have gone: Prior brief and transdiagnostic approaches have shown promise in reducing emotional symptoms, but this exact ultra-brief versus brief, group versus individual comparison with a relaxation control is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Patients presenting mild or moderate emotional symptomatology (anxiety, depression or somatizations). Specifically, they will be included in the study if they present a score ≥ 5 on the PHQ-9, the GAD-7 or the PHQ-15. Exclusion Criteria: * Bipolar disorder, personality disorder, psychosis or substance abuse, indicated by SCID-5-CV * Recent suicide attempt. * Severe emotional symptoms (PHQ-15 or GAD-7 ≥ 15; or PHQ-9 ≥ 20).
Where it's running
-
Unidad de Salud Mental del Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía
Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain Recruiting -
Unidad de Atención Psicológica (UNAP) de la Universidad de Córdoba
Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Juan Antonio Moriana Elvira Professor — Universidad de Córdoba
- Study coordinator: Juan Antonio Moriana Elvira Professor
- Email: edmoelj@uco.es
- Phone: +34 957212093
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.