What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based therapies, work by addressing negative thought patterns, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. These therapies help patients reframe negative thoughts, develop coping strategies, and improve emotional resilience. EFT, similar to these therapies, combines cognitive and somatic elements by having patients tap on specific body points while focusing on emotional issues, aiming to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia. These treatments are crucial for depression patients as they provide tools to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of relapse.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common psychological treatments for depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), generally have fewer side effects compared to pharmacological treatments. However, some patients may experience increased anxiety, emotional discomfort, or distress during the initial stages of therapy as they confront difficult emotions and thoughts. Additionally, there may be a temporary increase in symptoms such as insomnia or agitation. These side effects are typically mild and decrease as therapy progresses.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

FDA-approved treatments for depression include a range of pharmacological options such as SSRIs (e.g., escitalopram, sertraline), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine), and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine). These medications have been extensively studied and are commonly prescribed to manage depressive symptoms. In addition to these pharmacological treatments, psychological interventions like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) are used to address co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia, although EFT itself is not FDA-approved. These interventions often complement pharmacological treatments to provide a holistic approach to managing depression.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to EFT for depression patients in 2024 include: 1) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which involves meditation practices to increase awareness and self-regulation; 2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors; 3) Acupuncture, which has shown promise in alleviating chronic pain and improving mood; 4) Guided Imagery and Progressive Muscle Relaxation, which have been effective in reducing pain and improving psychological well-being; and 5) Biofeedback, which helps patients manage anxiety and pain by training the brain to be less reactive to stressors.

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Behavioral Intervention

EFT for Cancer-related Anxiety and Depression

Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Led By Dawson Church, PhD

Research Sponsored by Soul Medicine Institute

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up up to 5 years

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial teaches cholangiocarcinoma patients a technique called EFT through online coaching to help reduce anxiety and depression. The study aims to see if this method can improve their mental health and quality of life. Participants' symptoms are measured at different stages of the coaching process. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) has been studied as a treatment for anxiety, depression, and stress in various populations, including nursing students and individuals with chronic conditions.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for patients with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare bile duct cancer. Participants must be able to fill out forms and attend coaching sessions over the phone. There are no specific exclusion criteria listed, so it's open to individuals who meet the inclusion conditions.

What is being tested?

The study tests if Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), taught through phone and internet group sessions, can reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients. It includes assessments before, during, and up to one year after EFT coaching using various psychological and quality of life scales.

What are the potential side effects?

Since EFT involves counseling without medication or invasive procedures, significant physical side effects are not expected. However, discussing emotional topics may sometimes lead to temporary increases in distress.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I have been diagnosed with bile duct cancer.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ up to 5 years

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~up to 5 years

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 5 years for reporting.

Treatment Details

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Lifestyle Counseling with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

0 / 1Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based therapies, work by addressing negative thought patterns, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. These therapies help patients reframe negative thoughts, develop coping strategies, and improve emotional resilience. EFT, similar to these therapies, combines cognitive and somatic elements by having patients tap on specific body points while focusing on emotional issues, aiming to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia. These treatments are crucial for depression patients as they provide tools to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of relapse.