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CBT and the Neural Circuits of Anxiety

This study is investigating how a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) affects the brain in people experiencing anxiety. Researchers want to understand if specific brain areas, linked to our feelings and thoughts, change after someone goes through CBT. By understanding these brain changes, the study hopes to explain why CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety. This knowledge could help doctors and therapists develop even more targeted and effective treatments for anxiety disorders in the future, ultimately improving the lives of many people.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office

Enrolment target

174

Start

02 Feb 2020

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Generalised Anxiety Disorder Anxiety Disorders CBT Anxiety Depression Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms Anxiety Generalized Anxiety Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Mixed With Depression (Mild)

What is this study about?

This study aims to discover how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works inside your brain when you're dealing with anxiety. Researchers believe that certain parts of the brain, specifically those involved in how we feel and react to stress (like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex), might change when someone goes through CBT. Think of it like a control panel for emotions – the study wants to see if CBT helps to 'rewire' or 'reset' parts of this panel.

Currently, we know CBT helps many people, but we don't fully understand the exact brain changes that happen. This study wants to fill that gap. By understanding these changes, scientists hope to create a clearer picture of how CBT helps reduce anxiety. This isn't just for academic interest; knowing more about these brain changes could lead to new, more personalised and effective ways to treat anxiety disorders in the future. Imagine treatments that are perfectly suited to your specific needs!

The study will also compare its findings with another study looking at how medicines affect the brain for anxiety. This will help understand if talking therapies and medications work in similar or different ways within the brain. Ultimately, the goal is to improve how we treat anxiety, making psychological therapies even more powerful and successful for everyone.

Key takeaways

This study explores how CBT changes the brain in people with anxiety.
It aims to make future anxiety treatments even better and more targeted.
Participation involves brain scans and computer tasks, in addition to your usual CBT.
The study doesn't change your NHS treatment, it observes it.
You can withdraw at any time without affecting your NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 64 years old. You should also be starting a high-intensity CBT programme through the NHS's 'Improving Access to Psychological Therapies' (IAPT) service for anxiety. Importantly, your anxiety levels, measured by a standard questionnaire (GAD-7), need to be in a moderate range.

However, there are reasons you might not be able to join. For example, if your anxiety is very severe (above a certain score on the GAD-7), or if you've had certain mental health conditions like a psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder. People with a history of serious head injuries or other medical conditions that might affect brain function, or those currently taking certain mental health medications (like SSRIs) or having taken them recently, won't be able to participate.

Lastly, if you have any metal implants or devices in your body (like a pacemaker) that would make an MRI scan unsafe, or if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, you wouldn't be able to join. The study also has a weight limit for the MRI scanner and can't include people with severe claustrophobia, as it involves spending time inside an MRI machine.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 64 years old?
Are you starting high-intensity CBT for anxiety through NHS IAPT services?
Do you have moderate anxiety, as discussed with your doctor or therapist?
Do you have any metal in your body that might affect an MRI scan (e.g., pacemaker)? (If yes, you likely can't join.)
Are you currently taking or have recently taken certain mental health medications (like antidepressants)? (If yes, you likely can't join.)
Are you pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding? (If yes, you cannot join.)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement would include attending a course of CBT as usual through the NHS. The study itself won't interfere with your standard treatment. You would be asked to attend a few testing sessions at University College London (UCL) or the Birkbeck-UCL Centre for NeuroImaging (BUCNI). These sessions would involve completing some computer-based tasks that look at how you process emotions. You would also have a brain scan called an fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

These brain scans help researchers see which parts of your brain are active when you're doing the tasks. You would have these assessments at the beginning of your CBT course and then again after you've completed your treatment. There will be no changes to your medication or psychological therapy as part of the study; you will follow your standard NHS care. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long your CBT course lasts and when your follow-up appointments are scheduled.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information found could help improve anxiety treatments for others in the future. The tests, particularly the MRI scan, are generally safe, but some people might find being in the scanner a bit uncomfortable or noisy. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your NHS care or treatment.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is CBT?

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is a talking therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts and behaviours affect your feelings. It provides tools to change unhelpful patterns.

What is an fMRI scan?

An fMRI scan is a special type of brain scan that takes pictures of your brain activity. It's safe and doesn't involve radiation, but you lie still in a noisy machine.

Will I get paid to participate?

The study description does not mention any payment for participation. You would need to ask the research team directly about this.

Will my regular NHS treatment be affected?

No, your regular CBT treatment through the NHS will continue as normal. The study is designed not to interfere with your standard care.

What happens to my information?

Your information will be kept confidential and used for research purposes only. The research team will explain how your data will be handled and protected.

How to find out more

Emily Lewis

emily.lewis.23@ucl.ac.uk 02039872331 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.