Social phobia

This study tests whether a computer-assisted tool helps mental health providers in rural VA clinics deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) more effectively for depression and anxiety. About 34 therapists and 167 veterans will take part. Therapists are randomly assigned to use…

This study tests a new behavioral therapy called OPT-A for teenagers who have both substance use problems and mood or anxiety disorders. 140 teens aged 10-17 will receive either OPT-A or standard treatment. Researchers will track substance use and mental health for 18 months to s…

This completed trial in Xishui, China, tested a community-based program for 3,571 adults aged 35 and older who were at high risk for COPD and had mental health symptoms. The program included lung function tests, digital mental health support, smoking cessation help, and health ed…

This Phase 3 trial tested a once-daily extended-release capsule called centanafadine in 315 adults with both ADHD and anxiety (generalized or social anxiety). For 8 weeks, participants received either the drug or a placebo. The study measured changes in ADHD symptoms using a clin…

This study tested whether adding mental health care (like therapy and education) to standard job support helps people on sick leave due to anxiety or depression return to work sooner. Over 600 participants in Denmark were randomly assigned to one of two programs or usual care. Th…

This study tested whether a team-based care model can help people with both opioid use disorder and mental health issues like depression or anxiety. 254 adults in primary care received either full collaborative care for both conditions or just mental health support. The goal was …

This completed study tested whether a Mediterranean diet could improve metabolic syndrome markers in 30 hospitalized adults with psychiatric conditions. Participants followed either a Mediterranean diet or a standard hospital diet for 8 weeks, then switched. Researchers measured …

This study tests whether writing about imagined future scenarios (worst-case, best-case, or neutral) can reduce social anxiety symptoms. 270 adults with elevated social anxiety will complete three online writing sessions over three weeks. Researchers will measure changes in anxie…

This study tested a counseling program called Youth Friendship Bench SA for young women aged 18-25 in South Africa who had symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. The program included individual and group counseling sessions, plus optional text reminders. The goal was to see …

This study tested whether adding dog-assisted therapy to usual care helps teens aged 12-18 with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. 70 teens in a day hospital were randomly assigned to either get dog therapy plus usual care or usual care al…

This pilot study tested a new type of brain stimulation, called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS), for people with anxiety disorders or PTSD. Fifteen participants received the non-invasive treatment targeting a novel brain area. The study measured changes i…

This study tests if group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce anxiety and insomnia in teens aged 12-20. About 171 participants with both conditions will receive either CBT for anxiety or CBT for insomnia. The goal is to see which approach better improves symptoms, sleep…

This study looked at whether holding powerful poses before exposure therapy can increase testosterone levels and make treatment for social anxiety more effective. 73 adults with social anxiety disorder participated. The goal was to see if this simple change could help people feel…

This study tested whether D-cycloserine, an antibiotic that helps the brain unlearn fear, can improve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety. 152 adults with social anxiety took either D-cycloserine or a placebo before or after their therapy sessions. Researchers w…

This study tested a device called Reacor that uses biofeedback to teach mindfulness by showing your heart rate and brain waves in real time. 188 adults with anxiety disorders were split into three groups: biofeedback alone, the medication escitalopram alone, or both together. The…

This study looked at whether different intensities of exercise can reduce anxiety in adults with anxiety disorders. 110 sedentary adults with high anxiety sensitivity were assigned to either low-intensity exercise or a program that gradually increased to high-intensity exercise o…

This study tested whether a single dose of BNC210 can quickly reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. 370 adults took either the drug or a placebo before a public speaking challenge and rated their distress. The goal is to see if BNC210 works as an as-needed treatm…

This study tested whether a 4-week program using active video games (exergames) on the Nintendo Switch could help adults with mental illness feel better and stay motivated. Twelve participants were split into two groups: one played exergames, the other continued their usual routi…

This study tested whether a 6-week group therapy program (cognitive behaviour therapy) could help reduce anxiety and stress in pregnant women and new mothers. 72 women from Manitoba, Canada, who were pregnant or within 12 months postpartum and had an anxiety disorder took part. T…

This study tested an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program called AMTE for adolescents with anxiety and depression. Sixty teens were randomly assigned to either the online program or a control group. The goal was to see if the program could reduce symptoms of …

This study tested a new way to help people with social anxiety by training them to replace negative thoughts with positive or neutral ones. 54 university students with high social anxiety were split into two groups: one practiced proactive thought control with AI feedback, the ot…

This study tested a computer program designed to train attention away from threatening faces in 206 youths aged 10-14 with social anxiety disorder. Half received the active training (ABMT) and half a neutral task. The goal was to see if the training could reduce anxiety and chang…

This study tested whether a 12-session parent-based treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) can reduce anxiety in children by changing how their brains respond. 214 children with anxiety disorders participated. The goal was to see if parent training alone …

This study tested a brief form of cognitive behavioral therapy (bCBT) for Veterans with anxiety. 225 Veterans from three VA medical centers received either bCBT (in-person or by video) or usual care. The goal was to see if this short therapy helps reduce anxiety symptoms better t…

This study tested a 30-minute web-based program for parents of children with anxiety who are waiting for cognitive behavioral therapy. The program aims to reduce how much parents accommodate their child's anxiety, which can make anxiety worse. Researchers recruited 47 parents and…

This study tested a brief virtual therapy called MAPP (Mindful Adaptive Practice in Pregnancy) to help pregnant women manage COVID-19-related anxiety. 69 women participated, comparing MAPP to usual care. The goal was to see if the therapy is feasible and acceptable, not yet to pr…

This study tested an experimental drug called ENX-102 in 47 adults with social anxiety disorder. Participants received either the drug or a placebo to see if it reduced fear and avoidance in social situations. The goal was to measure safety and how well the drug works as a standa…

This study tested whether taking part in art activities like theatre, dance, visual arts, music, or cinema can improve mental health. 541 adults with psychiatric diagnoses were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. Researchers measured changes in depression an…

This study tested whether an 8-session group cognitive behavioral therapy program can reduce social anxiety in adolescents aged 12 to 17. Thirty-four teens with social anxiety disorder took part, comparing the group therapy to standard psychoeducation. The goal was to see if the …

This study tested a new anxiety program designed for autistic youth ages 7 to 17. The program was delivered in community care centers to make it more accessible. Researchers wanted to see if it was practical and helpful for reducing anxiety symptoms. The study involved 32 partici…

This study tested an online compassion-focused therapy for 49 teens with social anxiety disorder. The therapy aimed to help them manage emotions and reduce anxiety by teaching self-compassion. Researchers also measured heart rate to see if it changed with therapy. The goal was to…

This study tested a new oral drug called EMP-01 in 70 adults with social anxiety disorder. Participants received either EMP-01 or a placebo for a short time to see if the drug is safe and helps reduce anxiety in social situations. The main goal was to check for side effects, whil…

This study tested a 10-week peer support program called 'Paths to everyday life' for adults with mental health difficulties. Participants were randomly assigned to either the peer support group plus usual services, or usual services alone. The goal was to see if the program impro…

This study tested a new way of delivering care for people with anxiety and depression in Danish general practices. 302 adults with conditions like panic disorder, social anxiety, or PTSD took part. The model involved a team of doctors, nurses, and therapists working together, and…

This study tested whether a collaborative care model, called Collabri, works better than usual treatment for people with anxiety. The model involves a team including a care manager, general practitioner, and psychiatrist, with regular monitoring and a structured plan. 406 adults …

This pilot study tested a text-message intervention to help veterans with social anxiety reduce 'safety behaviors' — things like avoiding eye contact or rehearsing sentences — that get in the way of work and social life. 23 veterans in a work therapy program received text prompts…

This study tested two types of online therapy for anxiety and depression in 2477 adults. Participants received either a cognitive behavioral treatment or a psychodynamic treatment, delivered over 8 or 16 weeks, with or without a support forum. The goal was to see which combinatio…

This completed study tested a free mobile app called Ísland that uses artificial intelligence and virtual reality to help teens aged 13–19 manage anxiety. The app combines four proven therapies, offers private journaling, video group sessions, and VR exercises to face fears safel…

This study tested whether a simple mental imagery exercise could help people with social anxiety feel more motivated to face scary social situations. 136 participants first learned about social anxiety, then either imagined themselves successfully handling a feared situation or d…

This study tested an 8-week mindfulness-based psychoeducation program in 50 adults diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Half took the program, half did not. Researchers measured changes in perceived stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and cognitive flexibility. The goal was to see i…

This study tested whether adding reward-focused exercises—like appreciating past successes and imagining positive future events—could make exposure therapy work better for people afraid of public speaking. Forty participants with high public speaking anxiety completed either expo…

This study tested whether cannabidiol (CBD), a compound from the cannabis plant, can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Sixty adults with moderate to severe social anxiety took either a high dose of CBD, a lower dose, or a placebo pill twice daily for three weeks. Resear…

This completed study tested whether one virtual reality (VR) session could help reduce public speaking anxiety in 1,542 college students. Participants gave a speech in VR after either a positive or negative mood boost. Researchers measured anxiety levels and looked at whether tra…

This study tested an online program called ALDER that teaches older adults skills to boost positive emotions and reduce anxiety. 33 people aged 65 and older who used benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety or sleep medications) at least twice a week took part. Over 5 weeks, they learned an…

This study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called HD-tDCS could reduce negative thinking patterns in 74 young adults with social anxiety. Participants received 10 sessions over 5 days, targeting a brain area linked to emotion control. The goal wa…

This study tested a new, short, and intensive therapy called HANDS-ON for 12 teens (ages 10-18) with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who hadn't improved with standard therapy. The treatment involved personalized exposure exercises done at home and school, with help…

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) sessions can help reduce anxiety and depression in people aged 12 to 25 who do not want to take medication. Forty participants completed five weekly VR sessions focused on relaxation, coping skills, and healthy habits. Researchers me…

This study tested a single-session program for children ages 7 to 17 with anxiety and their parents. The program teaches kids how to manage anxious thoughts and feelings, and shows parents how to support them. Researchers wanted to see if this quick help could reduce anxiety symp…

This study tested a 10-session dog-assisted therapy program for 60 adults with severe mental illness. The goal was to see if spending time with trained therapy dogs could help participants build positive mental health behaviors like communication and socialization. Researchers me…

This study tested whether taking part in art activities (like painting, music, or dance) can improve mental well-being. 382 people with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or emotional disorders were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. The stud…

This study tested whether adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to a gradual benzodiazepine taper helps patients with anxiety who also take prescription opioids reduce their benzodiazepine use. 42 primary care patients were randomly assigned to receive either CBT or a health …

This study tested a 6-week supervised physical activity program for university students dealing with mild-to-moderate mental health issues like stress, anxiety, or feeling isolated. Seventeen students took part in group exercise sessions including walking, aerobics, and strength …

This study tested a group version of a therapy program called the Unified Protocol for teens with emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. Thirty-one adolescents took part in 16 weekly group sessions at a public mental health center in Spain, along with three parent sessi…

This study tested whether text message reminders to stop 'safety behaviors' (like checking mirrors or seeking reassurance) could ease appearance concerns. 401 adults with body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, or eating disorders were split into two groups: one received text p…

This Phase 3 trial tested whether a low-dose nasal spray called PH94B can quickly reduce anxiety in adults with social anxiety disorder when they have to speak in public. 224 participants used the spray or a placebo 20 minutes before a short speech and rated their distress. The s…

This study tested whether a smartphone app (BHQ) can reliably monitor social anxiety symptoms in adults, and whether a computer-based attention training called gaze-contingent music reward therapy (GC-MRT) reduces those symptoms. Forty adults with social anxiety disorder used the…

This study tested a new program called Adjunctive Family-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) for veterans with anxiety disorders. It involved 48 veterans and their family members to see if adding family support to standard therapy was acceptable and helpful. The main goal was t…

This study looks at how the brains of children aged 9 to 12 with anxiety disorders respond to making mistakes. Researchers measure two types of brain activity: one after an error and one after a balance disturbance. Half of the children will use a 45-minute computer program desig…

This study looked at whether brain activity patterns can predict how well people with major depression or social anxiety respond to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Over 200 participants were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of CBT or supportive therapy. Researchers measured brai…

This study looked at nearly 2,000 people from the community to understand how depression, anxiety, and migraine are passed down through families. Researchers interviewed family members of all ages, including children as young as 8, to track patterns of these conditions over time.…

This study tested whether a 10-week recovery program, co-led by a peer with mental illness and a professional, is feasible for people with mental illness in Taiwan. Twenty participants completed the program, which focused on recovery concepts, strengths, and goal setting. Researc…

This study tested whether oxytocin nasal spray helps people with social anxiety disorder learn safety from watching others. About 120 adults received either oxytocin or a placebo and underwent brain scans. The goal was to see if oxytocin improves the brain's ability to tell threa…

This study tested a web application called PRATICAdr 2.0, designed to help healthcare workers on sick leave due to common mental disorders like depression or anxiety return to work. The app helps coordinators track progress and improve communication. Researchers compared workers …

This study tested whether artificial intelligence (AI) can realistically simulate conversations between a therapist and a person with a mental health problem. Researchers used 520 simulated sessions to see if the AI could follow proper therapy techniques. The goal is to use these…

This study looked at how thinking skills and brain activity differ in people who self-harm compared to those who don't. Researchers interviewed 316 adults and gave them thinking tests, with some also having brain scans. The goal was to better understand self-harm to help create m…

This study tested a program called Recovery Bridge, where trained peer specialists (people with lived experience of mental illness) helped veterans leaving a psychiatric hospital connect to outpatient care and community life. Fifteen veterans took part to see if the program was f…

This study looked at how anonymity and data privacy affect the success of online therapy for social anxiety. Over 450 adults used either a fully anonymous or a standard version of a digital self-help program. The goal was to see if privacy options change how well the therapy work…

This study looked at whether watching short science videos can change how adults with anxiety think about psychological therapy. 262 participants watched 30 minutes of educational videos and filled out surveys about their beliefs and expectations. The goal was to understand if sc…

This completed study looked at 400 people with both heart disease and a mental health condition (like depression or anxiety). Researchers used questionnaires, blood tests, and imaging to find shared risk factors and biological markers. The goal was to better understand how these …

This study tested whether an anti-stigma training program for healthcare providers improves attitudes toward people with mental illness or substance use problems. About 485 staff and clients from six health centers took part, with three centers receiving the training and three no…

This study looked at how often insomnia occurs in people hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. Researchers checked 427 patients at 11 hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. They also explored whether age, gender, or type of disorder made insomnia more likely.

This study looked at whether exercise helps adults with high anxiety and anxiety disorders (like generalized anxiety, panic, or social anxiety) better learn to unlearn fear. 54 participants either exercised or sat quietly after a fear-extinction task. Researchers measured skin sw…

This completed study surveyed 3,100 adults in Slovakia to find out how many people have mental disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or addiction. Researchers used a standard interview tool to measure current and lifetime rates, and looked at who gets help and who doesn't. Th…

This study tested a program called IPS-MA, which helps people with mood or anxiety disorders find and keep jobs or return to school. 326 adults who were unable to work within three months took part. The goal was to see if this support, added to their usual treatment, helped them …

This study tested an 8-month program called 'Meaningful Activities and Recovery' (MA&R) for people with mental illness. The program helps people take part in activities that matter to them. 139 adults took part to see if the program improves activity engagement, recovery, and qua…

This study tested a program called iCOT to improve how occupational therapy interns communicate with patients in mental health settings. The program included online training and feedback from patients, supervisors, and experts. Researchers compared interns who received iCOT to da…

This Stanford study explores how brain circuits relate to anxiety and depression. 167 participants with recent symptoms (no diagnosis needed) undergo brain scans and cognitive tests. Some also receive a 12-week course of pramipexole medication or rTMS therapy. The goal is to unde…

This study tested whether a systematic phone call from a medical student, supervised by a general practitioner, could reduce hospitalizations in patients with chronic heart or mental health conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown in France. Over 22,000 patients aged 70 and older …

This study tested whether real-time fMRI neurofeedback can help people with anxiety disorders better regulate their emotions. 21 participants practiced cognitive reappraisal while receiving feedback on their prefrontal cortex activity. The goal was to understand the brain mechani…

This study looked at over 36,000 adults in the UK to see if people with vitiligo are more likely to have mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or self-harm compared to those without vitiligo. Researchers used medical records to compare risks and also checked if these r…

This study tested different parts of a family navigation program to see which ones work best for helping low-income and minority families get mental health services for their children. 312 children aged 3-12 who showed signs of behavioral health concerns took part. The goal was t…

This study used artificial intelligence to predict how engaged people would be in online therapy and how much their symptoms would improve. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,600 adults who took part in a digital psychotherapy program. The goal was to create fair and accurate …

This study created and tested a mobile app called VetEd for student veterans dealing with mental health issues like depression, PTSD, or anxiety. The goal was to help them manage academics, mental health, and find resources. Researchers worked with 13 veterans to see if the app w…

This study followed 559 children and teens ages 6 to 19 in the McLean Anxiety Mastery Program to see if their anxiety and depression improved with treatment. Researchers compared patients who received treatment to those on a waitlist and checked if gains lasted three months after…

This completed study looked at 224 adults who already had at least one psychiatric condition to see how many also had undiagnosed ADHD. Researchers measured how often ADHD was missed and tracked quality of life in those diagnosed. The goal is to highlight the need for better dete…

This study looked at whether using very low nicotine cigarettes along with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can reduce harmful chemical exposure in smokers with mental health conditions. 88 participants were assigned to different combinations of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The m…