ACT for older people with treatment-resistant Generalised Anxiety Disorder (CONTACT-GAD)
Participant type
Overview
This study is no longer looking for new participants but is still ongoing. The purpose of this trial is to see if a form of talking therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy plus usual care can reduce anxiety in older people with chronic worry that has not improved after previous treatment compared to usual care alone.
Summary
What is the study about?
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by a tendency to worry. It is the most common anxiety disorder in older people. Medication and talking therapy are usually offered as forms of treatment, but many do not find them helpful. When this is the case, we refer to GAD as being ‘treatment resistant’ (TR).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a form of talking therapy that helps people learn how to live as best a life as they can with chronic worry, by helping them do things that are important and matter to them, alongside any worries or concerns they may have .
It has been found to be helpful in other conditions including depression and chronic pain and may be particularly suited to older people with TR-GAD.
What are you trying to find out?
The purpose of this trial is to see if a form of talking therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy plus usual care can reduce anxiety in older people with chronic worry that has not improved after previous treatment compared to usual care alone. We also want to see if this therapy is good value for money in comparison to usual care alone.
Why is it important?
You may benefit from taking part in this trial because you may receive a new type of psychological therapy that has been shown to benefit people with other mood disorders such as depression. In the UK, this therapy is not yet widely available to older people with TR-GAD. Although we are hopeful that you will see the same benefits as observed in other people, this may not be the case.
How can I find out more?
This study is no longer looking for new participants but is still ongoing.
However, if you have questions for the research team, click the button below to email the research team:
Meet the researcher
Catherine CrossConsultant Lead Psychologist for Old Adult Psychology Services
My name is Catherine Cross, I am a clinical psychologist who provides clinical leadership to the Later Life Psychology Services in Manchester. I work with older people and am passionate about making sure that people later in life have access to the same chances to take part in clinical research as adults of working age.
Collaborators
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