What the trial was testing
The UNWIND enrolled 128 patients with anxiety. The study was sponsored by Duke University and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.
What the results showed
Escitalopram lowered anxiety scores 5.7 points — about double exercise.
JAMA Psychiatry · 2021 · NCT02516332
These findings — that anxiety score on escitalopram vs. inactive comparison in coronary heart disease — were published in the JAMA Psychiatry and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 128 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with anxiety, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is FDA-approved and available now as a once-daily generic pill. It is one of the first-line treatments for anxiety disorders. Aerobic exercise is also good for the heart and mood, even if anxiety relief was modest in this study. Ask a primary care doctor or psychiatrist about a plan that includes both.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open anxiety trials
Effect of Mandala Coloring on Anxiety, Distress, and Comfort in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Outpatient Chemotherapy
Breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy often experience psychological distress, anxiety, and discomfort during treatment. Non-drug supportive methods may help improve patients' well-being during chemotherapy. This study aims to evaluate whether mandala coloring during outpatient chemotherapy can reduce psychological distress and anxiety and improve comfort in breast cancer patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a mandala coloring group or a routine care group. Patients in the intervention group will color mandala patterns for 30 minutes during their chemotherapy session, while the control group will receive routine care only. Psychological distress, anxiety, and comfort levels will be measured before and after the chemotherapy session in both groups. The results of this study may provide evidence for a simple and low-cost supportive intervention to improve the psychological well-being of breast cancer patients during chemotherapy.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions Targeting First-Generation College Student Retention in Rural Environments
The goal of this randomized control group is to learn about effective treatments for college students experiencing anxiety and/or depression. The main questions this clinical trial aims to answer are: 1) Can mindfulness-based treatments increase retention rates among first-generation college students? 1) Can mindfulness-based treatments decrease anxiety and/or depression among first-generation college students? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: mindfulness meditation or psychoeducation. Researchers will compare outcomes from each group to explore treatment differences.