Depressive DisorderBPCT-EFT-RCTNCT07100951
Comparing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress
A study testing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in people with Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders, run by Beykoz University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study compares the effects of two different couple therapy approaches-Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)-on reducing relationship problems and emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 24 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Emotion Regulation
- What is being tested?
- Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to 15 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 24 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Heterosexual couples (both partners must participate)
- Age between 24 and 65 years
- Minimum 2 years of relationship duration
- At least one partner scoring ≤ 30 on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32), indicating clinically significant relationship distress
- At least one partner scoring in the mild, moderate, or severe range on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) or Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
Who cannot join
- Current participation in individual or couple psychotherapy
- Use of psychiatric medication during the past 3 months
- Presence of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder)
- History or presence of physical or severe psychological partner violence, assessed via Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2)
- Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Beykoz University
Istanbul
Eda Yılmazer, Phd, +905324732070, edayilmazer@beykoz.edu.tr
Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd, +905324732070, metin.cinaroglu@nisantasi.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: Comparing the Efficacy of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress and Psychopathological Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study compares the effects of two different couple therapy approaches-Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)-on reducing relationship problems and emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety.
Many couples struggle with emotional distance, repeated arguments, and dissatisfaction in their relationships. While EFT is a widely used and research-supported therapy that focuses on rebuilding emotional bonds, BPCT is a less-studied method that aims to help couples understand how early relationship experiences and unconscious patterns affect their current interactions.
Read more
The purpose of this study is to find out whether one of these therapies is more effective than the other in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing emotional distress. The study also looks at changes in how people regulate their emotions and how secure they feel in their relationships after therapy.
In this randomized controlled trial, 60 heterosexual couples experiencing relationship distress and symptoms of anxiety or depression will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:
BPCT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on deep emotional and psychological patterns in their relationship.
EFT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on emotional connection and improving communication.
Waitlist control group - couples do not receive therapy during the study but will be offered therapy afterward.
Each therapy lasts 12 weeks, and follow-up assessments will be conducted up to 6 months after therapy ends. Data will be collected before, during, and after treatment using questionnaires that measure relationship satisfaction, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and attachment style.
The results of this study will help determine which type of therapy is more beneficial for couples experiencing emotional and relational difficulties and may provide important insights for mental health professionals working with distressed couples.
Read the detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to compare the clinical efficacy of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in reducing relationship distress and associated psychopathological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. The study also explores secondary outcomes such as changes in adult attachment styles and emotion regulation strategies over time.
While EFT has an established empirical base and is commonly used in clinical practice, BPCT remains underexplored despite its longstanding clinical application. BPCT draws on psychoanalytic principles and focuses on unconscious relational dynamics, early attachment schemas, and defense mechanisms such as projection and transference. EFT, in contrast, is rooted in attachment theory and experiential therapy, emphasizing emotional expression and restructuring maladaptive interaction cycles between partners.
A total of 60 heterosexual couples (n = 120 individuals) experiencing moderate to severe relationship distress-as measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32)-and reporting clinically relevant levels of depression and/or anxiety symptoms will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three arms:
BPCT group (n = 20 couples) - 12 weekly online sessions, each lasting 50 minutes, conducted by trained psychodynamic couple therapists. The focus will be on interpretation of unconscious conflict, symbolic meaning of relational behaviors, and insight into early object relations as they manifest in the couple dynamic.
EFT group (n = 20 couples) - 12 weekly online sessions, also 50 minutes each, delivered by certified EFT therapists. Sessions will center on emotional accessibility, bonding conversations, and reshaping negative emotional cycles.
Waitlist Control group (n = 20 couples) - no therapy during the intervention phase; therapy will be offered following the post-study follow-up assessment.
Assessments will occur at four time points:
Baseline (T0): Full clinical and relational assessments including DAS-32, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).
Mid-treatment (T1, Week 6): Relationship distress and psychopathology assessments (DAS-32, BDI-II, BAI).
Post-treatment (T2, Week 12): All primary and secondary outcome measures. Follow-up (T3, 6 months after completion): Long-term treatment effects and maintenance of gains.
Statistical analysis will be conducted using repeated measures ANOVA and mixed-effects regression models to account for within-couple dependence and missing data. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) will be used to assess clinically significant change. Between-group effect sizes will also be calculated.
The trial is powered to detect medium effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.50) with 80% power, accounting for a 20% dropout rate. Therapists will receive supervision to maintain treatment fidelity, and outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation.
All interventions will be conducted online via secure video conferencing platforms to ensure accessibility and consistency across participants.
This study is expected to contribute significantly to the literature on couple therapy by being the first direct RCT comparison of BPCT and EFT. The findings may inform clinical decision-making regarding the selection of therapeutic models for relational and emotional problems in couples, and potentially promote the integration of psychodynamic and attachment-based frameworks in couple therapy practice.
- Conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Emotion Regulation, Attachment, Relationship Distress
- Being tested
- Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Keywords
- Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Couple Therapy, Online Psychotherapy, Relationship Distress, Emotion Regulation, Depression, Anxiety
- Medical subject headings
- Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Emotional Regulation, Depression
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Brief Psychoanalytic Couple TherapyBehavioural
Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) consists of 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) focused on uncovering unconscious relational dynamics, symbolic conflict meanings, and early attachment schemas. Techniques include relational interpretations, exploration of projective identification and transference, and analysis of emotional defenses. Therapists maintain a neutral, reflective stance to promote insight and self-awareness within the couple dynamic.
Emotionally Focused TherapyBehavioural
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) involves 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) focusing on repairing emotional bonds and enhancing attachment security. The intervention targets maladaptive emotional interaction cycles and promotes the expression of primary emotions and attachment needs. Therapists actively guide couples through restructuring emotional responses and rebuilding secure, responsive communication patterns.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) | Experimental | Couples in this arm will receive 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT). Therapy focuses on unconscious relational dynamics, early attachment schemas, and projective identification. The therapist facilitates insight through interpretation of symbolic meaning in conflict and reenactments of early object relations. The stance is neutral and exploratory. Receives: Behavioral: Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy |
| Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) | Active comparator | Couples in this arm will receive 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT targets negative emotional interaction cycles, encourages expression of primary emotions, and fosters attachment security. The therapist plays an active and emotionally attuned role to restructure relational bonds and increase responsiveness between partners. Receives: Behavioral: Emotionally Focused Therapy |
| Waitlist Control | No intervention | Couples in the waitlist control group will not receive active intervention during the 12-week study period but will complete the same assessments at all time points. After the 6-month follow-up assessment, they will be offered a choice of therapy (BPCT or EFT) outside the study protocol. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Relationship Satisfaction (DAS-32)
The Dyadic Adjustment Scale-32 (DAS-32) is a 32-item self-report measure of relationship adjustment. It assesses four subscales: dyadic consensus, satisfaction, cohesion, and affectional expression. Scores range from 0 to 151, with higher scores indicating better relationship quality. A score below 100 indicates relationship distress. Changes will be assessed across the four time points to evaluate therapeutic impact.
Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
Change in Depressive Symptoms (BDI-II)
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is a 21-item self-report questionnaire measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63. Scores between 14-19 reflect mild depression, 20-28 moderate, and 29-63 severe. Higher scores indicate greater severity. The change in BDI-II scores will be used to assess symptom improvement.
Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
Change in Anxiety Symptoms (BAI)
The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a 21-item self-report inventory that measures the severity of anxiety symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63, with scores above 16 indicating clinically significant anxiety. Higher scores indicate more severe anxiety. Changes in BAI scores will track anxiety symptom reduction.
Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
Change in Emotion Dysregulation (DERS)
The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is a 36-item measure assessing six dimensions of emotion regulation: nonacceptance, goals, impulse, awareness, strategies, and clarity. Total scores range from 36 to 180, with higher scores indicating more difficulties in emotion regulation. Changes in total scores across time points will be evaluated.
Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Adult Attachment Style (AAS)
The Couples Satisfaction Index-4 (CSI-4) is a brief, 4-item scale designed to assess global relationship satisfaction. Responses are based on Likert-type items. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores reflecting greater satisfaction. The CSI-4 has demonstrated strong internal consistency and criterion validity. Changes in CSI-4 scores will be used as a secondary index of intervention effectiveness.
Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Aug 2025
- Study start1 Jul 2025
- Primary completion31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Depressive DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants (60 couples) will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to one of three parallel groups: Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or a Waitlist Control group. Each active therapy group will receive 12 weekly online sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Beykoz University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Istanbul Nisantasi University, Uskudar University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Eda Yilmazer, Beykoz University
- Investigators
- Gökben Hızlı Sayar, Professor, Study chair, Üsküdar UniversityMetin Çınaroğlu, Phd, Study director, Istanbul Nisantasi University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07100951
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BPCT_vs_EFT_RCT_2025
- Acronym
- BPCT-EFT-RCT
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 28 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 3 Aug 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) related to primary and secondary outcome measures-including DAS-32, BDI-II, BAI, DERS, CSI-4, and AAS scores-will be made available for secondary analysis upon request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Aug 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparing the Efficacy of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress and Psychopathological Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07100951
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BPCT-EFT-RCT / BPCT_vs_EFT_RCT_2025
- Conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Emotion Regulation, Attachment, Relationship Distress
- Keywords
- Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Couple Therapy, Online Psychotherapy, Relationship Distress, Emotion Regulation, Depression, Anxiety
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Beykoz UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Istanbul Nisantasi University, Uskudar University
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 3 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study compares the effects of two different couple therapy approaches-Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)-on reducing relationship problems and emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety.
Many couples struggle with emotional distance, repeated arguments, and dissatisfaction in their relationships. While EFT is a widely used and research-supported therapy that focuses on rebuilding emotional bonds, BPCT is a less-studied method that aims to help couples understand how early relationship experiences and unconscious patterns affect their current interactions.
The purpose of this study is to find out whether one of these therapies is more effective than the other in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing emotional distress. The study also looks at changes in how people regulate their emotions and how secure they feel in their relationships after therapy.
In this randomized controlled trial, 60 heterosexual couples experiencing relationship distress and symptoms of anxiety or depression will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:
BPCT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on deep emotional and psychological patterns in their relationship.
EFT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on emotional connection and improving communication.
Waitlist control group - couples do not receive therapy during the study but will be offered therapy afterward.
Each therapy lasts 12 weeks, and follow-up assessments will be conducted up to 6 months after therapy ends. Data will be collected before, during, and after treatment using questionnaires that measure relationship satisfaction, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and attachment style.
The results of this study will help determine which type of therapy is more beneficial for couples experiencing emotional and relational difficulties and may provide important insights for mental health professionals working with distressed couples.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to compare the clinical efficacy of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in reducing relationship distress and associated psychopathological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. The study also explores secondary outcomes such as changes in adult attachment styles and emotion regulation strategies over time.
While EFT has an established empirical base and is commonly used in clinical practice, BPCT remains underexplored despite its longstanding clinical application. BPCT draws on psychoanalytic principles and focuses on unconscious relational dynamics, early attachment schemas, and defense mechanisms such as projection and transference. EFT, in contrast, is rooted in attachment theory and experiential therapy, emphasizing emotional expression and restructuring maladaptive interaction cycles between partners.
A total of 60 heterosexual couples (n = 120 individuals) experiencing moderate to severe relationship distress-as measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32)-and reporting clinically relevant levels of depression and/or anxiety symptoms will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three arms:
BPCT group (n = 20 couples) - 12 weekly online sessions, each lasting 50 minutes, conducted by trained psychodynamic couple therapists. The focus will be on interpretation of unconscious conflict, symbolic meaning of relational behaviors, and insight into early object relations as they manifest in the couple dynamic.
EFT group (n = 20 couples) - 12 weekly online sessions, also 50 minutes each, delivered by certified EFT therapists. Sessions will center on emotional accessibility, bonding conversations, and reshaping negative emotional cycles.
Waitlist Control group (n = 20 couples) - no therapy during the intervention phase; therapy will be offered following the post-study follow-up assessment.
Assessments will occur at four time points:
Baseline (T0): Full clinical and relational assessments including DAS-32, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).
Mid-treatment (T1, Week 6): Relationship distress and psychopathology assessments (DAS-32, BDI-II, BAI).
Post-treatment (T2, Week 12): All primary and secondary outcome measures. Follow-up (T3, 6 months after completion): Long-term treatment effects and maintenance of gains.
Statistical analysis will be conducted using repeated measures ANOVA and mixed-effects regression models to account for within-couple dependence and missing data. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) will be used to assess clinically significant change. Between-group effect sizes will also be calculated.
The trial is powered to detect medium effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.50) with 80% power, accounting for a 20% dropout rate. Therapists will receive supervision to maintain treatment fidelity, and outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation.
All interventions will be conducted online via secure video conferencing platforms to ensure accessibility and consistency across participants.
This study is expected to contribute significantly to the literature on couple therapy by being the first direct RCT comparison of BPCT and EFT. The findings may inform clinical decision-making regarding the selection of therapeutic models for relational and emotional problems in couples, and potentially promote the integration of psychodynamic and attachment-based frameworks in couple therapy practice.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants (60 couples) will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to one of three parallel groups: Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or a Waitlist Control group. Each active therapy group will receive 12 weekly online sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Brief Psychoanalytic Couple TherapyCouples in this arm will receive 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT). Therapy focuses on unconscious relational dynamics, early attachment schemas, and projective identification. The therapist facilitates insight through interpretation of symbolic meaning in conflict and reenactments of early object relations. The stance is neutral and exploratory. |
| Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Emotionally Focused TherapyCouples in this arm will receive 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT targets negative emotional interaction cycles, encourages expression of primary emotions, and fosters attachment security. The therapist plays an active and emotionally attuned role to restructure relational bonds and increase responsiveness between partners. |
| Waitlist Control | No intervention | –Couples in the waitlist control group will not receive active intervention during the 12-week study period but will complete the same assessments at all time points. After the 6-month follow-up assessment, they will be offered a choice of therapy (BPCT or EFT) outside the study protocol. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 24 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Heterosexual couples (both partners must participate)
- Age between 24 and 65 years
- Minimum 2 years of relationship duration
- At least one partner scoring ≤ 30 on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32), indicating clinically significant relationship distress
- At least one partner scoring in the mild, moderate, or severe range on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) or Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Current participation in individual or couple psychotherapy
- Use of psychiatric medication during the past 3 months
- Presence of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder)
- History or presence of physical or severe psychological partner violence, assessed via Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2)
- Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Brief Psychoanalytic Couple TherapyBrief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) consists of 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) focused on uncovering unconscious relational dynamics, symbolic conflict meanings, and early attachment schemas. Techniques include relational interpretations, exploration of projective identification and transference, and analysis of emotional defenses. Therapists maintain a neutral, reflective stance to promote insight and self-awareness within the couple dynamic. | Behavioural | Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) |
| Emotionally Focused TherapyEmotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) involves 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) focusing on repairing emotional bonds and enhancing attachment security. The intervention targets maladaptive emotional interaction cycles and promotes the expression of primary emotions and attachment needs. Therapists actively guide couples through restructuring emotional responses and rebuilding secure, responsive communication patterns. | Behavioural | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
Primary outcome
Change in Relationship Satisfaction (DAS-32)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
The Dyadic Adjustment Scale-32 (DAS-32) is a 32-item self-report measure of relationship adjustment. It assesses four subscales: dyadic consensus, satisfaction, cohesion, and affectional expression. Scores range from 0 to 151, with higher scores indicating better relationship quality. A score below 100 indicates relationship distress. Changes will be assessed across the four time points to evaluate therapeutic impact.
Change in Depressive Symptoms (BDI-II)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is a 21-item self-report questionnaire measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63. Scores between 14-19 reflect mild depression, 20-28 moderate, and 29-63 severe. Higher scores indicate greater severity. The change in BDI-II scores will be used to assess symptom improvement.
Change in Anxiety Symptoms (BAI)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a 21-item self-report inventory that measures the severity of anxiety symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63, with scores above 16 indicating clinically significant anxiety. Higher scores indicate more severe anxiety. Changes in BAI scores will track anxiety symptom reduction.
Change in Emotion Dysregulation (DERS)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is a 36-item measure assessing six dimensions of emotion regulation: nonacceptance, goals, impulse, awareness, strategies, and clarity. Total scores range from 36 to 180, with higher scores indicating more difficulties in emotion regulation. Changes in total scores across time points will be evaluated.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Adult Attachment Style (AAS)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Aug 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data (IPD) related to primary and secondary outcome measures-including DAS-32, BDI-II, BAI, DERS, CSI-4, and AAS scores-will be made available for secondary analysis upon request.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Gökben Hızlı Sayar, Professor study chair
Üsküdar University
Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd study director
Istanbul Nisantasi University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in people with Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders, run by Beykoz University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Eda Yılmazer, Phd (+905322575880, edayilmazer@beykoz.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Relationship Satisfaction (DAS-32) (time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Aug 2025.