Examining the efficacy of the computerized anxiety sensitivity treatment in a guided, group format: A randomized controlled trial

Although traditional evidence-based treatments are efficacious in reducing clinical anxiety, many anxious individuals never receive them. Recently, brief technology-based interventions have been developed to overcome access related barriers. Despite their advantages, these interventions also face significant feasibility issues and are underutilized. Adapting digital interventions to be administered in guided, group formats may improve viability and utilization. The current study aimed to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a brief Cognitive Anxiety Sensitivity Treatment (CAST; Schmidt et al., 2014) administered in groups with the guidance of a clinician. We hypothesized that CAST would be rated as highly acceptable, would significantly reduce anxiety sensitivity when compared to a control intervention, and would retain its mechanism of action on internalizing symptoms such that reductions in anxiety sensitivity (AS) would mediate reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression. We recruited 73 participants in preexisting groups and groups consisting of individual participants to be randomly assigned to the CAST or control condition with assessments at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Multilevel linear mixed effect models were conducted to examine whether treatment condition predicts reductions in AS. Direct and indirect effects of intervention condition on internalizing symptoms through changes in AS were examined using regression and mediation models. Results suggest that this “Group CAST” is acceptable and efficacious in reducing AS. Findings suggest Group CAST may reduce depression and anxiety via AS reductions, as with previously studied versions of CAST. Results support a new group-based framework for improving the application of brief digital mental health treatments.

Clinical trial number

NCT06817473.