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Emotionally Focused Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

N/A
Waitlist Available
Led By Stephanie Wiebe, PhD
Research Sponsored by Saint Paul University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
At least 18 years old
Be older than 18 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up change from baseline, to across each week for 15 weeks, to after completion of the 15-week wait-period, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after completing the 15-week wait-period.
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial examines EFIT, a therapy focusing on emotional connections, for people with depression and/or anxiety. EFIT helps individuals understand their feelings and improve their relationships, aiming to reduce symptoms of these conditions. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) has been shown to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and relationship issues over the past three decades.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults with a primary diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and mild to moderate anxiety symptoms. Participants must score within certain ranges on depression and anxiety scales (BDI-II, BAI). Those on stable psychotropic medication can join, but not if they've had or expect changes in their medication 6 weeks before or during the study.
What is being tested?
The study tests Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT) against a control group that waits then receives online CBT training. EFIT is an attachment-based therapy aimed at treating both depression and anxiety by focusing on emotional bonds and psychological factors common to these conditions.
What are the potential side effects?
While traditional side effects like those seen with medications are not expected, participants may experience emotional discomfort or distress as they engage with personal issues during therapy sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I am 18 years old or older.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~change from baseline, to across each week for 15 weeks, to after completion of the 15-week wait-period, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after completing the 15-week wait-period.
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change from baseline, to across each week for 15 weeks, to after completion of the 15-week wait-period, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after completing the 15-week wait-period. for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Anxiety
Anxiety
Beck Depression Inventory-2 (BDI-2)
+3 more
Secondary study objectives
Wounds and Injuries
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale
Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR)
+10 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: EFIT GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Individuals in the EFIT Group (n=44) will receive 12-15 sessions of EFIT in order to treat their symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Group II: Waitlist Control Group (CBT)Active Control1 Intervention
Individuals in this arm (n=44) are provided with a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioural treatment for depression and anxiety (MoodGym) that has been empirically validated after their 15-week wait period is complete.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals
2019
N/A
~90

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
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT) targets the underlying emotional and psychological factors common to both depression and anxiety, particularly insecure attachment. By addressing attachment issues, EFIT aims to improve emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships, which are often disrupted in these disorders. This approach contrasts with cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) that focus on changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for patients as it helps them and their clinicians choose a treatment that aligns with their specific emotional and psychological needs.
Emotion Regulation Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.Predicting Improvement in Depression Across Therapies Using Indicators of Romantic Relationship Functioning: A Preliminary Investigation.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Saint Paul UniversityLead Sponsor
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused TherapyUNKNOWN
Stephanie Wiebe, PhDPrincipal Investigator - Saint Paul University
Saint Paul University

Media Library

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04719780 — N/A
Depression and Anxiety Research Study Groups: Waitlist Control Group (CBT), EFIT Group
Depression and Anxiety Clinical Trial 2023: Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04719780 — N/A
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04719780 — N/A
~15 spots leftby Dec 2025