Can feeling good first help you conquer fear of public speaking?

NCT ID NCT06776991

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether doing a positive mood treatment before standard exposure therapy can improve outcomes for people with social anxiety and public speaking fears. About 94 adults with social anxiety disorder will first receive either a positive mood treatment or a relaxation treatment, then all will undergo exposure therapy. Researchers will measure anxiety, avoidance, and physiological responses during public speaking tasks to see which approach works better.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Positive Affect Treatment - Behavioral (PAT-B) and Relaxation Treatment (both behavioral therapies)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a more effective way to treat social anxiety by boosting positive emotions before facing fears.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 94 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The benefit of adding a mood treatment before exposure therapy is still unproven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anhedonia anxiety disorder phobic disorder social phobia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANHEDONIA ANXIETY DISORDERS (OR ANXIETY AND PHOBIC NEUROSES) PHOBIC DISORDERS PUBLIC SPEAKING ANXIETY SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER (SOCIAL PHOBIA)

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, Los Angeles
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States
University of California, Los Angeles
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States

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