Can an AI chatbot cure social anxiety? new study tests smartphone therapy
NCT ID NCT07533812
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests two 4-week smartphone treatments for social anxiety, one using psychodynamic therapy and the other cognitive behavioral therapy, both guided by an AI chatbot instead of a human therapist. 90 adults with social anxiety are randomly assigned to one of the two treatments or a waitlist. Participants complete weekly questionnaires to track changes in anxiety and mood.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
AI chatbot delivering psychotherapy modules
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a scalable, low-cost digital treatment for social anxiety that doesn't require a human therapist.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study with only 90 participants and no long-term follow-up. The AI chatbot may not be as effective as in-person therapy, and results may not apply to everyone.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Stockholm university
Stockholm, Stockholm County, 10691, Sweden