We are continually trying to learn more about the causes of anxiety and the best ways to help people to overcome their anxiety problems. Our staff are internationally known for publishing numerous books and scientific papers on the nature and treatment for anxiety disorders. Through research at the ATRC and similar Centres around the world, there have been enormous advances in the treatment of anxiety in recent years.

All studies at the ATRC have been reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Board at St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton.

Current Projects at the ATRC:

Improving Treatment Outcome in OCD: Does a Motivational Enhancement intervention boost efficacy?

Contact Person
Lisa Young Tel: 905-522-1155 ext. 33047 e-mail: lyoung@stjoes.ca

Description
Individuals with a primary diagnosis of OCD may be eligible to participate in an individual treatment study assessing whether adding additional treatment sessions (motivational enhancement or relaxation) prior to standard treatment (ERP) will lead to greater symptom reduction than standard treatment alone. There are 2 research study arms and patients will be randomly assigned to either 3 sessions of motivational therapy or 3 sessions of relaxation therapy. 15 sessions of ERP will follow. Specific progress assessment intervals will take places as well as 3 follow-up assessments. Inclusion/exclusion criteria must be met (i.e. available for sessions 2-times per week, medication(s) 3-months dose stable). Lisa Young will contact individual to review inclusion/exclusion criteria and study schedule. This research is funded by a grant from the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation.

Self-Help versus Standard CBT for Social Anxiety Treatment Study

Contact Person
Dr. Michele Boivin Tel: 905-522-1155 ext. 35216 e-mail: mboivin@stjoes.ca

Description
Individuals with a primary diagnosis of Social Phobia, who have never participated in CBT for Social Phobia, may be eligible to participate in a study examining various levels of therapist involvement in CBT. In this study, participants are randomly assigned to one of four different conditions: 1 - Standard treatment (Individual CBT, one hour weekly for 12 weeks); 2 - Brief treatment (individual CBT, 15 minutes in person or on the phone weekly for 12 weeks); 3 - Self-help treatment (following the same manual without therapist contact); or 4 - Waitlist (no treatment). You would be assessed prior to and just after the 12-week period, and have follow-up assessments for 3 and 6 months. We would ask during the initial 12-week period, that you not change your dosage of medication, if any, and that you do not participate in any concurrent therapy. If after completing the study, you are still interested in receiving standard group treatment, you will be given priority placement in the following round of groups.

Electrophysiological Foundations of Social Anxiety Disorder: Neurobiological Correlates of Dysfunction and Symptom Improvement after CBT

Contact Person
Jessica Senn Tel: 905-522-1155 ext. 34267 (ringing), ext 32924 (voicemail)e-mail: jsenn@stjoes.ca

Description
For participants of Social Phobia Groups, there will be an opportunity to participate in an interesting EEG study (completely non-invasive). The aim of the study is to assess biological changes associated with symptom improvement. Participants will be asked to attend five one-hour appointments and will be paid $20.00 for each appointment they attend as well as an additional $20.00 for completing the study ($120.00 total). Jessica Senn will contact all potential participants once they have joined a group to screen for eligibility.

Anxiety, Perfectionism, and Childhood Experiences of Teasing

Contact Person
Lisa Young Tel: 905-522-1155 ext. 33047 e-mail: lyoung@stjoes.ca

Description
Individuals with a primary diagnosis of either Panic Disorder or Social Phobia will be asked if they would be willing to complete a short questionnaire. The primary aim of this study is to examine personality factors and recollection of teasing and bullying experiences during childhood. Individuals are asked to take the questionnaire home, and return (postage paid) when completed. Approximate time for questionnaires is 10-15 minutes. A $10.00 gift card to Second Cup will be mailed to individuals upon completion.