Cognitive therapy for fears about other people
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive therapy for fears about other people (CBT+): piloting a new multi-component treatment
IRAS ID
147838
Contact name
Daniel Freeman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Research summary
Our team has developed a cognitive model of the causes of paranoia (unfounded fears about other people). We are using this to develop a more effective clinical treatment. Taking key causal factors, one at a time, we have developed brief modular psychological treatments. Each component has been tested for initial clinical efficacy. For instance, we have shown that treating the worry style in patients with severe paranoia significantly lessens the fears about others (Foster et al, 2010). Other studies we have carried out have shown the benefits for patients with paranoia of improving sleep (Myers et al, 2011), processing negative emotions (Hepworth et al, 2011), altering reasoning styles (Waller et al, 2011), lessening anxiety about being outside (Freeman et al, 2013), and reducing interpersonal sensitivity (Bell & Freeman, submitted). We have also written the only self-help materials for paranoia (Freeman et al, 2006) and have studies running testing the benefits of enhancing self-esteem (ethics ref Oxford REC B 12/SC/0369) and testing out fears in virtual reality (ethics ref Oxford REC B 12/SC/0453). These brief treatments have been popular with patients, shown large clinical benefits, and have not had adverse effects. The new research study will bring together for the first time these different components into a longer treatment that should have additive value for patients. We consider it to be a state of the art treatment for paranoia. This new study will provide initial feasibility and efficacy data on combining these components. It is a stage of research before a randomised controlled test. 15 patients with persistent persecutory delusions will all received the intervention over six months. Previous to this there will be a one month baseline assessment to ensure stability of the delusions, and then monthly assessments to monitor treatment outcome. The study is funded by the Medical Research Council.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SC/0107
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion