Can a Split-Second glance at a scary face cure social anxiety?

NCT ID NCT06526260

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Children's Hospital Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study explores whether showing youth with social anxiety disorder very brief, almost invisible images of judgmental faces can help rewire their brain's fear response. Eighty participants aged 16-22 will undergo brain scans while viewing these micro-exposures, and rate their fear. The goal is to understand brain circuits involved and develop a novel, rapid treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Very brief exposure to facial expressions (behavioral intervention)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a new, quick treatment for social anxiety that works without conscious awareness of the trigger.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase study with only 80 participants, focused on brain activity rather than symptom relief. The approach may not reduce anxiety in real-world settings.

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 DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Hospital Los Angeles
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90027, United States

More trials for these conditions

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