Clinical Research Directory

Effectiveness of Internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP) for Emotional Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP) intervention is effective for treating depression and anxiety disorders in Hong Kong young adults aged 18-29 years. This study is conducted within the eClinic, a public mental health support service provided by a Hong Kong non-government organisation (NGO). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the iUP intervention effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders? * How long is the treatment effect sustained after the intervention ends? * Does the intervention also improve real-world functioning, such as occupational and academic performance? Researchers will compare participants who receive the iUP intervention immediately with those in a wait-list control group (who receive no intervention during the waiting period) to evaluate the effectiveness of iUP. Participants will: * Receive a 14-week iUP intervention either immediately or after a 14-week waiting period according to randomisation * Complete weekly and follow-up questionnaires throughout the study period

Effectiveness of Single-Session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Symptoms.

This study examined whether a single 120-minute, therapist-led Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (SS-ACT) session, delivered individually and face-to-face in Urdu, was associated with reduced generalized anxiety symptoms among undergraduate students in Pakistan. Fifty full-time undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 at GIFT University (25 male, 25 female), who scored 5 or above on the GAD-7 and met DSM-5 criteria for generalized anxiety disorder on the SCID-5 interview, received the session. Anxiety symptoms (GAD-7) were measured before the session, immediately after it, and at a two-week follow-up. Psychological inflexibility (AAQ-II) was measured before and immediately after the session. The study also examined whether changes in anxiety differed between male and female participants. This was a single-group study without a control or comparison group.

Efficacy of Expectancy Focused Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

This clinical trial evaluates whether an optimized exposure-based treatment improves long-term outcomes for adults with anxiety disorders. Specifically, it examines whether Expectancy Focused Exposure (EFE), based on the inhibitory learning model, is more effective than Anxiety Focused Exposure (AFE) in reducing anxiety symptoms and preventing the return of fear over time. The study includes adults aged 18 years and older diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, including social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and can significantly interfere with daily functioning, work performance, and interpersonal relationships. Exposure therapy is a central component of cognitive behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. Traditional exposure approaches often focus on reducing anxiety during exposure sessions, but many individuals experience a return of fear after treatment. New theoretical models suggest that exposure may be more effective when designed to violate threat expectations and strengthen inhibitory learning. Participants will be recruited in sequential cohorts and randomly assigned to immediate treatment or a brief waitlist before treatment begins. Those assigned to the waitlist will start treatment at the next study step. When treatment begins, participants will receive either EFE or AFE. Both treatments consist of approximately 10 weekly individual psychotherapy sessions delivered by trained therapists. Participants will complete clinical assessments before treatment, during treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment completion. In AFE, exposure exercises are organized along an anxiety hierarchy and focus on reducing anxiety responses through repeated confrontation with feared stimuli. In EFE, exposure focuses on identifying and testing threat expectations, and exercises are designed to maximize expectancy violation and strengthen inhibitory learning. Potential risks include temporary emotional discomfort during exposure exercises. All sessions will be conducted by trained clinicians who monitor participant safety throughout the study. The results may help improve exposure-based treatments for anxiety disorders by identifying strategies that enhance long-term outcomes and reduce relapse.

CBT and the Neural Circuits of Anxiety

This study will aim to test whether specific neural circuitry changes, proposed on the basis of a neurocognitive model of anxiety, are a mechanism of action for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions. This study aims to provide a theoretical model of the neurobiological mechanisms of CBT's therapeutic effect, where there currently is none, and potentially allow for more targeted/specific approaches to anxiety disorders following the identification of key CBT mechanisms. The ultimate aim is to improve the efficacy of CBT, and more generally, psychological interventions for anxiety disorders.

A Neuro-Technological Intervention for Adolescents With GAD

This study aims to evaluate the safety and acceptability of a basic neuro-technological intervention in the treatment of adolescents with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Our technology will deliver a mindfulness-based anxiety regulation intervention through a neuro- / bio-feedback-based virtual reality (VR) game interface that is driven by a novel algorithm.