Analyzing the Benefits of Using SYMPTOMS-JIT for in Vivo Exposure in Anxiety Disorders

Summary

The aim of this study is to develop and test the efficacy of first-of-its-kind, fully instrumented sensor-based smartphone-guided in-vivo exposure therapy using a just-in-time intervention for anxiety disorder. The main hypotheses are: 1. Both treatment conditions (CBT treatment with IVE and CBT treatment with IVE+SYMPTOMS-JIT) will show efficacy and no statistically significant differences will be found between them. The efficacy will be determined for the differences in pre-post treatment in the used outcome measures. 2. The therapeutic gains obtained in both treatment conditions (IVE and (IVE+SYMPTOMS-JIT) will be maintained at 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods. 3. Both treatment conditions will be efficient, that is, they will be well-valued by patients and therapists. However, IVE+SYMPTOMS-JIT will be preferred and perceived as less aversive than IVE. 4. The main barriers for the use of this technology are not technological, but rather attitudinal and they can be identified through qualitative studies.

Interventions

• Cognitive behavioral therapy with in vivo exposure · BEHAVIORAL

  CBT will be used as the chosen approach for ADs. The main components will be psychoeducation and to help patients to challenge and change unhelpful cognitive distortions (e.g., thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes) and behaviors (e.g., avoidance), develop emotion regulation strategies (e.g., cognitive reappraisal), and learn coping strategies that target problem-solving. The practice is developed in several sessions that usually last between 10 and 20 sessions. Specifically, the exposure component will be considered as the first-line treatment. During the exposure component, patients will confront themselves over a long period of time, repetitively, with a feared stimulus until distress has decreased significantly by the exposure.In this condition participants will receive CBT treatment and be exposed to in vivo situations.

• Cognitive behavorial therapy with in vivo exposure plus SYMPTOMS-JIT · BEHAVIORAL

  CBT will be used as the chosen approach for ADs. The main components will be psychoeducation and to help patients to challenge and change unhelpful cognitive distortions (e.g., thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes) and behaviors (e.g., avoidance), develop emotion regulation strategies (e.g., cognitive reappraisal), and learn coping strategies that target problem-solving. The practice is developed in several sessions that usually last between 10 and 20 sessions. Specifically, the exposure component will be considered as the first-line treatment. During the exposure component, patients will confront themselves over a long period of time, repetitively, with a feared stimulus until distress has decreased significantly by the exposure. In this condition participants will receive CBT treatment and be exposed to in vivo situations with the support of SYMPTOMS-JIT.

Published eligibility criteria

Verbatim from the registry. Only the site can decide how these apply to a specific patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being at least 18 years or older.
* Meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (APA, 2013) for anxiety disorder, specifically specific phobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder and social phobia.
* Being willing to follow the study conditions.
* Sign the consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having another psychological problem that requires immediate attention.
* Having current alcohol or drug dependence or abuse, psychosis or severe organic illness.
* Currently being treated in a similar treatment program.
* Taking anxiolytics during the study (or in the case of taking them, changing drug or dose during the study).

Sites (1)

• University Jaume I, Castellon, Castellón, Spain · RECRUITING