Breaking the loop: could stopping rumination lower blood pressure and depression?

NCT ID NCT05980130

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This small study tested a type of talk therapy called Rumination-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (RFCBT) in 9 low-income adults who had both depressive symptoms and high blood pressure. The therapy aims to help people recognize and stop repetitive negative thoughts (rumination), which may contribute to both depression and heart disease. Researchers measured changes in rumination, depressive symptoms, and blood pressure to see if the therapy could improve both mental and heart health.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Rumination-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (RFCBT)

What this could lead to

If it works, this therapy could offer a way to lower both depression and heart disease risk by breaking the cycle of repetitive negative thinking.

What could go wrong

This is a very small proof-of-concept study with only 9 participants and no control group. Results may not apply to the general population.

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.

Depression hypertensive disorder rumination disorder Rumination Syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Have a Heart clinic

    Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States