Improving Attentional and Cognitive Control in the Psychological Treatment of Intrusive Thoughts
Completed · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder
In brief
The investigators are conducting this study to learn more about the cognitive and attentional processes among individuals with three types of repetitive negative thinking (RNT): mental rituals (as seen in obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD), worries (as seen in generalized anxiety disorder, GAD), and ruminations (as seen in major depressive disorder, MDD). Specifically, the investigators are studying whether psychological treatment can help people with RNT who have trouble stopping unwanted thoughts and shifting their attention.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT04225624
- Run by
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- People needed
- 65
- Starts
- 2021-04-30
- Expected to finish
- 2025-04-09
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-03-10
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Adults ages 18-60 years old
- Right-handed
- Living in Massachusetts
- Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) in the form of mental rituals, worries, and/or depressive ruminations is the primary reason for seeking treatment
- RNT significant enough to warrant intervention
- Fluent in English, willing to provide informed consent, and willing to comply with the study protocol
- Access to a device with an internet connection, camera, and microphone (e.g., computer, smart phone, tablet)
- Comfortable and capable of using a computer and completing reaction-time tasks
You may not qualify if…
- History of head injury or neurologic disease, mental retardation, or borderline intellectual functioning that would interfere with ability to participate in the study.
- Impaired (or uncorrected) vision, medical illness, or medical treatment that would interfere with participation.
- Active suicidal or homicidal ideation or any features requiring a higher level of care.
- Lifetime psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
- Substance or alcohol use disorder that would interfere with treatment.
- Current Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that would interfere with attentional tasks.
- Unstable dose of psychotropic medications or recent discontinuation of psychotropic medication.
- Current psychotherapy or plans to initiate such treatment during the study.
- Previous course of treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy and/or mindfulness/meditation for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or depression.
Where it is running
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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