Internet-based Affect Focused Psychodynamic Therapy for Neuroticism: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Linköping University (LiU)

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Trait Neuroticism

Treatments: Behavioral: Internet-based psychodynamic therapy (IPDT)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06665321

LINNEA

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of the study is to investigate if internet delivered affect-focused psychodynamic therapy (IPDT) leads to lowered levels of trait neuroticism compared to a wait-list control condition. The target group is adults (18+) who experience mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. The IPDT treatment consists of 8 modules that the participants will work with for 9 weeks, with therapist support. Participants will be recruited in Sweden with nationwide recruitment.

Full description

This study is a randomized controlled trial with the aim to investigate if IPDT leads to lowered levels of trait neuroticism. Participants will either be randomized to the treatment which is based on Affect Phobia Therapy or to a wait-list control. Participants will have weekly contact with a therapist who will provide feedback and support.

Primary outcome measure is trait neuroticism (measured on the 24-Item Neuroticism scale of the IPIP-NEO-120). Secondary outcome measures will include measures of anxiety, depression, quality of life, emotion regulation, and defense mechanism adaptiveness. Emotion regulation and short measure of anxiety and depressive symptoms will be collected weekly throughout the treatment period. Pre-treatment measurement, post-treatment measurement, weekly measure, and one-year follow up is planned to be collected through an online survey.

Enrollment: 108 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Score 5 points or more on either the PHQ-9 or GAD-7
• 18 years or older
• Ability to speak, read and write in Swedish
• Have access to the internet and a smartphone, computer or other device

Exclusion criteria

• Severe psychiatric or somatic illness that makes participation difficult or impossible
• Ongoing addiction
• Acute suicidality
• Other ongoing psychological treatment
• Recent (within the latest month) changes in the dose of psychotropic medication or planned change of dose during the treatment weeks

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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108 participants in 2 patient groups

Internet-based psychodynamic therapy

Experimental group

Description:

The treatment consist of a 9 week long IPDT intervention based on Affect Phobia Therapy with weekly therapist support.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Internet-based psychodynamic therapy (IPDT)

Wait-list control condition

No Intervention group

Description:

Wait-list control condition, participants have the option to contact the treatment team in case of worsened symptoms.