RecruitingInterventional

Improving outcomes in panic disorder in NHS talking therapies

This study aims to make NHS talking therapies better for people with panic disorder. It comes from earlier research that showed a specific type of talking therapy, called Focused CBT, might be more effective than what’s currently offered. This new study wants to see if these promising results hold true for more people across different NHS services. Panic disorder can make daily life hard, sometimes leading to agoraphobia (a fear of certain places or situations). The research will compare Focused CBT with the standard treatment to see if it helps reduce panic, fear, and improve daily life for adults aged 18 and over. The goal is to find better ways to help people get well and prevent panic attacks.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

20 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia

What is this study about?

This research is all about improving how the NHS helps people with panic disorder through talking therapies. Many people in the UK experience panic disorder, which can involve sudden feelings of intense fear, even when there's no real danger. Sometimes, this can also lead to agoraphobia – a fear of situations that might cause a panic attack, like crowded places or public transport. Currently, psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs) provide support for panic disorder in NHS talking therapy services.

The research team has previously done a smaller study which suggested that a particular type of therapy, called 'Focused CBT' (CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), might be more helpful than the current standard treatment. Think of Focused CBT as a more targeted approach specifically designed for panic disorder. This new study is a bigger step to confirm if Focused CBT really does work better on a larger scale across more NHS services. If it does, it could lead to this improved treatment being offered more widely, helping many more people.

The main goal is to find out if Focused CBT leads to better recovery rates for panic disorder, including reducing panic attacks and related fears like agoraphobia. By understanding what works best, the NHS can make sure everyone gets the most effective help available, improving daily life for those struggling with panic disorder.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve NHS talking therapies for panic disorder.
It tests a specific therapy called 'Focused CBT' against usual care.
Participation involves being randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups.
It's open to adults 18+ with panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
Your involvement could help develop better treatments for panic disorder in the future.
No new or experimental drugs are involved; it focuses on talking therapies.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You should be comfortable speaking and understanding English, as well as completing questionnaires and workbooks in English. The study is open to both men and women. The most important thing is that panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, is your main problem.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if your panic isn't your biggest difficulty, or if you can't give your consent to join the study. You also wouldn't be able to join if you have long-term physical health conditions, or if you're already taking part in another research project. If there are concerns about your safety that can't be managed within the study, or if drug or alcohol use would impact your therapy and you're not willing to address it, you wouldn't be eligible.

Finally, if you can't access or use the materials needed for the study, perhaps due to technology difficulties, you wouldn't be able to participate. The aim is to make sure the study environment is suitable for everyone involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Is panic disorder your main health problem?
Can you speak and understand English well enough to complete forms and therapy materials?
Are you able to attend talking therapy sessions (in person or online, depending on what's available)?
Are you currently not taking part in another research study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first be asked if you'd like to join at your NHS talking therapies service. If you agree, you will then be randomly assigned, a bit like drawing names from a hat, to receive one of two treatments: either the 'Focused CBT' treatment or the usual treatment for panic disorder currently provided by the NHS. You won't get to choose which group you're in, as this random assignment helps make the study fair.

Both treatments involve talking therapy sessions. The Focused CBT treatment will typically involve 6 to 8 sessions. Throughout your treatment, your symptoms of panic, depression, and anxiety, as well as how you're managing daily life, will be recorded. This happens before you start treatment, during each therapy session, and again at the very end. Specific panic-related fears and how much you avoid certain situations (agoraphobia) will also be measured before treatment begins, halfway through, and at the end of your therapy.

There are no additional visits beyond your therapy sessions. The study doesn't involve any medication, and the total duration of your active participation will depend on the length of your therapy, typically a few months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits. You would receive psychological treatment for your panic disorder, which may help reduce your panic attacks and other difficulties. Your involvement could also contribute to improving future NHS talking therapies for panic disorder, potentially helping many other people find more effective treatment. The research team does not expect any risks associated with taking part; the treatments offered are standard types of talking therapies. Remember, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder involves sudden, intense feelings of fear or terror, often called panic attacks, that can happen without warning. These attacks can also lead to worries about having more attacks or avoiding certain places.

What is 'Focused CBT'?

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Focused CBT is a specific type of talking therapy that is designed to help you understand and manage panic disorder in a very targeted way, aiming to reduce panic attacks and related fears.

Will I get to choose my treatment?

No, you won't choose. If you join the study, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups: either the Focused CBT group or the group receiving the usual NHS treatment for panic disorder. This helps ensure the study results are fair.

How long will the treatment last?

If you receive Focused CBT, it will typically involve 6 to 8 sessions. The overall time you are involved in the study will depend on how long your treatment lasts, usually a few months.

Who is funding this research?

This study is funded by the Biomedical Research Centre NIHR, which is part of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust in the UK.

How to find out more

Saarim Aslam

saarim.aslam@psy.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)7919819678 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.