Comparing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Versus Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Autistic Adults
Recruiting now · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Anxiety
In brief
Autistic adults are at a greater risk for mental health problems compared to the general population, with 50% meeting criteria for a co-occurring psychiatric condition. Depression and anxiety are the most common of these conditions among autistic adults, contributing to long-term detrimental effects on health, day-to-day functioning, and quality of life. This study will conduct the first large-scale head-to-head comparison of the two most widely studied mental health interventions for autistic adults: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT). Both interventions are well-established, empirically supported treatments for depression and anxiety in the general population, and both interventions have demonstrated efficacy among autistic adults. However, their comparative effectiveness and heterogeneity of treatment effects have not been established in autistic adults. Both interventions will be delivered by telehealth.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT06060860
- Run by
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- People needed
- 300
- Starts
- 2024-01-17
- Expected to finish
- 2027-02-15
- Last updated by the study team
- 2025-09-18
Who can join
Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- ≥18 years of age
- Co-occurring depression and/or anxiety as determined by a total score ≥10 on the PHQ-ADS
- Living in North Carolina or Virginia
- Ability to participate in therapy sessions over telehealth
- English-speaking
- Provide proof of a professional diagnosis of autism OR meet or exceed clinical cut-off on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) autism screening instrument
You may not qualify if…
- Altered mental status that precludes the ability to provide informed assent or consent (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania)
- Imminent risk of suicide
Where it is running
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (enrolling)
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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