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Comparing CBT and MBCT for Autistic Adults with Anxiety and Depression

This study is comparing two types of therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), for autistic adults who also experience depression and/or anxiety. Both therapies are well-known for helping with these conditions. Researchers want to see which therapy works better to improve mental health, quality of life, and daily functioning. You might be able to join if you are an adult (18 or older) with an autism diagnosis, live in North Carolina or Virginia, speak English, and have symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. The study will measure changes in your anxiety and depression symptoms over about 18 weeks. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This study is an interventional study planning to enroll 300 participants. It will compare Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) against Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
What's involved
You would participate in therapy sessions over telehealth. The Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) involves a 9-week program with 90-120 minute sessions and home practice.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your anxiety and depression symptoms will be measured at the beginning of the study and up to 18 weeks later.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06060860

Comparing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Versus Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Autistic Adults

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
~300 participants
Updated 2025-09-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in anxiety and depression symptoms
Measured over Baseline, up to 18 weeks

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Depression
Anxiety

Explore related trials

AnxietyAutism Spectrum DisorderDepression

Where it's being run

2 sites across 2 states
North Carolina1
Virginia1

Study leadership

  • Laura Klinger, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • Micah Mazurek, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Virginia

Who to contact

Laura Klinger, PhD
[email protected]
(919) 966-8183
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

≥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

Exclusion

Altered mental status that precludes the ability to provide informed assent or consent (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania)
Imminent risk of suicide

What this trial measures

  • Change in anxiety and depression symptomsBaseline, up to 18 weeks

    The Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS) is a 16-item composite measure that provides a single composite score for depression and anxiety. It comprises the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). PHQ-ADS scores can range from 0 to 48 with higher scores indicating more severe depression/anxiety.