Brain stimulation may supercharge therapy for social anxiety

NCT ID NCT03743571

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Nevada, Reno Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

social phobia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SOCIAL ANXIETY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, Nevada, 89557, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.