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Exposure Therapies for Anxiety Disorders (OptEx Trial)

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Michelle G Craske, PhD

Research Sponsored by University of California, Los Angeles

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

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

Must have

Age 18 to 65

Either stabilized on psychotropic medications or medication-free

Must not have

Patient report of serious medical conditions - such as respiratory (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, muscular-skeletal diseases - or pregnancy

Active suicidal ideation or self-harm in the past year; history of suicide attempts in the last 10 years

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up pre-treatment to post-treatment (10 weeks), to follow-up (24 weeks)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will compare two different approaches to exposure therapy to see which is more effective in reducing fear and anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder or panic disorder.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with social anxiety or panic disorder, who are either stable on current medications or not taking any. They must have access to telehealth and speak English. It's not for those with bipolar, psychosis, brain damage, recent substance abuse, serious medical conditions including pregnancy, concurrent anxiety therapy, or a history of suicidal behavior.

What is being tested?

The study compares two types of exposure therapy: Inhibitory Learning-Based Exposure and Habituation-Based Exposure. The goal is to see which method better reduces fear and anxiety in participants through remote treatment sessions.

What are the potential side effects?

Exposure therapies may temporarily increase anxiety levels during early stages as part of the therapeutic process. There might also be discomfort recalling anxious situations but no physical side effects are expected from these psychological treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

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

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I am between 18 and 65 years old.

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My mental health medication is stable or I am not taking any.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I have a serious health condition like heart, lung, nerve, or muscle disease, or I am pregnant.

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I have not had thoughts of suicide or self-harm in the past year, nor attempted suicide in the last 10 years.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ pre-treatment to post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~pre-treatment to post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and pre-treatment to post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks) for reporting.