Can a special training boost social skills in depression and anxiety?

NCT ID NCT06170801

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding a group therapy called Kiesler Circle Training (KCT) to standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people with depression or anxiety improve their interpersonal skills. About 156 participants will receive either CBT alone or CBT plus KCT. The main goal is to see if the combined approach reduces problems in social interactions more than CBT alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Kiesler Circle Training (KCT) - a behavioral group therapy focused on improving interpersonal skills

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a way to enhance standard therapy for depression and anxiety by specifically targeting social difficulties.

What could go wrong

This is a relatively small, early-stage study comparing two active treatments, so any added benefit may be modest or not hold up in larger trials. The intervention requires group attendance and may not suit everyone.

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 disorder Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Charité

    Berlin, Germany