Recruiting

A Metacognitive Group Therapy of Depression and Anxiety in Youth With Autism

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ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06441786

PhaseNA

Enrollment36

SponsorUppsala University

Age15 Years – 18 Years

SexALL

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Conditions studied

Anxiety Depression

About this study

The goal of this open clinical trial is to try out and evaluate a group metacognitive treatment protocol, for adolescents aged 15-18 years of age with anxiety and/or depression and an autism diagnosis. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. How does the recruitment to the study work and what is the retention rate? 2. What is the level of participant compliance? 3. Is the treatment adherence satisfactory, are there any practical problems with treatment delivery? 4. Are the outcome measures and assessment procedures feasible? 5. Do the participants accept the treatment, are there any reports of adverse effects? 6. What are the preliminary effects of the treatment regarding 1. Symptoms of anxiety and/or depression 2. Quality of life 3. Functional impairment 4. Subjective level of stress 5. Central metacognitive processes 7. Are changes in metacognitive processes related to changes in anxiety and depression? The participants will partake in metacognitive group treatment of 10 sessions following an initial screening.

Interventions

Behavioral: A metacognitive group therapy of depression and anxiety in youth with autism — The treatment model is based on Adrian Wells' transdiagnostic A-M-C model and treatment structure described in Wells (2009) "Metacognitive therapy for anxiety and depression". The group treatment is delivered in 10 weekly sessions.

Primary outcomes

Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) (Change from pre intervention to treatment completion at 10 weeks and at a 6 month follow-up)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Age of 15 to 18 years * Seeking medical care PRIMA psychiatric clinic for children and youth in Stockholm * Diagnoses of anxiety disorder or depression as well as autism established in a clinical interview * Mastering the Swedish language enough to take part of the treatment * Willingness/ability to participate after receiving information about what participation entails Exclusion Criteria: * Assessed to meet one of the following diagnoses: Bipolar syndrome, alcohol use syndrome, substance use syndromes, psychotic symptoms and affective syndromes with psychotic symptoms and antisocial personality disorder. * Assessed to have a high suicide risk. * Assessed to have extensive self-harm behavior or moderate to high risk of such. * Participating in other psychological treatment or about to start such treatment during the time interval of the study. * Has not had stable medication in the last month or is planning a deposit/medication adjustment during the time interval of the study.

Study locations

PRIMA Child and Youth Psychiatry, Handen, Haninge, Stockholm County 13640 Sweden

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-11-12.