Brain stimulation may supercharge therapy for social anxiety
NCT ID NCT03743571
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a mild electrical current applied to the forehead (tDCS) could make exposure therapy work better for people with social anxiety. Thirty-three adults with public speaking fears gave speeches in virtual reality while receiving either real or fake tDCS. The goal was to see if the stimulation helped them feel less anxious and speak longer, especially when facing audiences of a different ethnicity. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to make exposure therapy more effective for social anxiety, potentially helping people overcome fear of public speaking faster.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, early study that was terminated, so results are limited. The approach is still experimental and may not work for 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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University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada, 89557, United States