Mindfulness vs. CBT: which therapy helps autistic adults more?

NCT ID NCT06060860

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compares two well-known therapies—cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT)—to see which works better for autistic adults with depression and anxiety. About 300 participants from North Carolina and Virginia will receive therapy via telehealth. The goal is to find out which approach leads to greater improvements in mental health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT)

What this could lead to

If this trial succeeds, it could show which therapy works best for autistic adults with depression and anxiety, leading to more personalized and effective mental health care.

What could go wrong

This is a behavioral intervention study, not a drug trial. Results depend on participant engagement and may not apply to all autistic adults. The therapies are already established, so the main question is which works better, not if they work at all.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder autism spectrum disorder Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    RECRUITING

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27510, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • University of Virginia

    RECRUITING

    Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••