Attentional Indicators of CBT Non-Response

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line psychological treatment for anxiety and obsessive compulsive (OC) disorders, yet approximately half of patients who receive CBT fail to achieve sustained clinical remission. Such failures are widespread but poorly studied and contribute to the escalating public health burden of anxiety. To date, no reliable biomarker capable of detecting CBT non-response exists. In this study, we seek to fill this gap by collecting a battery of clinical, behavioral, self-report, and neural measurements before, during, and after CBT in a large cohort of patients with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and healthy controls. We will first examine the reliability and construct validity of a biomarker in a subgroup of 50 patients and 50 matched healthy controls. Next, we will provide 12 weeks of standard CBT for 110 patients with SAD and BDD. Neuroimaging data will be acquired at baseline, week 6, and post-treatment to assess changes in functional connectivity throughout treatment and examine their relation to treatment response. Thus, this study will reveal potential mechanistic indicators of CBT non-response that can guide treatment selection and planning.

A link to our study website can be found here: https://uwifocus.com/

Participant Eligibility

– Age 18-45
– No fMRI contraindications (non-removable metal in body such as copper IUD or cardiac pacemaker, not pregnant, etc)
– Fluent in English and willing to provide informed consent
– No lifetime history of manic or hypomanic episode, psychotic symptoms, traumatic brain injury,
neurological disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
– Must be living within the Greater Seattle area and be able to commute to the University of Washington for regular study visits
– Treatment seeking individuals who have significant appearance concerns AND/OR significant fear of social situations

Contact

Randhara Kotuwelle
(206) 221-1278