Antibiotic boosts therapy for social anxiety – timing matters
NCT ID NCT02066792
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
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 wanted to see if the drug, especially when taken after a successful session, could reduce anxiety symptoms more than therapy alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
D-cycloserine (an antibiotic also used to enhance fear extinction learning)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could make cognitive-behavioral therapy more effective for people with social anxiety, leading to faster or longer-lasting symptom relief.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with a small sample, so results may not be conclusive. The effect of D-cycloserine may depend on timing and therapy success, and it may not work for everyone.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, 78712, United States