Can a phone app ease PTSD? large study puts it to the test.

NCT ID NCT04888169

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested whether a smartphone app that retrains attention can help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over 1,300 adults with PTSD symptoms used one of four app versions for two weeks. Researchers measured changes in PTSD symptoms right after training and again eight weeks later. The goal was to see if attention bias modification could be a simple, remote treatment option.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Attention bias modification via smartphone app
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a convenient, app-based way to reduce PTSD symptoms without medication or in-person therapy.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study testing different training approaches, so it may not show clear benefits. The effect may be small or not last long-term.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tommy Atwater

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

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