New therapy targets the Brain's 'Thought Loops' in OCD, anxiety, and depression

NCT ID NCT04225624

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

Summary

This study tested a type of therapy called Emotion Regulation Therapy - Attention Regulation (AR-ERT) to help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or major depressive disorder who struggle with repetitive negative thinking. 65 adults in Massachusetts received eight weekly therapy sessions focused on improving attention and cognitive control. The goal was to see if this approach could reduce unwanted thoughts and improve 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

Emotion Regulation Therapy - Attention Regulation (AR-ERT)

What this could lead to

If successful, this therapy could offer a new way to reduce repetitive negative thinking in people with OCD, anxiety, or depression.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 65 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy is behavioral and may not work for all individuals.

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.

generalized anxiety disorder major depressive disorder Obsessive Behavior obsessive-compulsive disorder Rumination Syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States