Can a phone app ease social anxiety? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT04622930

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a smartphone app that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with social anxiety disorder. Participants use the app for 12 weeks, learning skills like cognitive restructuring and exposure exercises. The trial compares app users to a waitlist group to see if the app reduces social anxiety symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Smartphone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app

What this could lead to

If effective, this app could provide a convenient, accessible treatment option for social anxiety disorder, reducing symptoms without needing in-person therapy.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage trial with a small sample and a waitlist control, so results may not generalize. The app may not work as well as in-person therapy, and some people may not engage with it.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

social phobia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States