Phobic disorder

Researchers at UC San Diego are testing whether a computer-based working memory training session, done right before a brief exposure exercise, can improve fear extinction learning in adults with social anxiety disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the working…

Researchers are testing whether a personalized form of brain stimulation can ease symptoms in people with anxiety disorders that have not improved with standard treatments. The approach uses a device to deliver rapid magnetic pulses to specific brain circuits, guided by each pers…

This study will test whether an artificial intelligence (AI) system can diagnose anxiety disorders as accurately as a psychiatrist. One hundred adults with anxiety will be assessed by both the AI and a specialist, and the results will be compared. The goal is to see if the AI is …

This study tests whether digital exercises on a smartphone can help teens aged 16-19 avoid relapse of depression or anxiety. Participants who have recovered from a past episode will use a research app to work through thoughts and feelings while they feel well. Some will join onli…

This study tests an online self-help tool called e-couch for adults with social anxiety. Over 5 weeks, 200 participants will use the program, which is based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Researchers will use surveys and computer tasks to predict who improves the most.

Researchers are testing a smartphone app called FobiApp that uses augmented reality to guide people through exposure therapy for cockroach phobia. Adults with a diagnosed cockroach phobia use the app at home, working through increasingly difficult levels that show virtual cockroa…

This trial tests whether a type of talk therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help cancer survivors and their spouses cope with the fear that cancer might return. It compares ACT to a more traditional therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), in a two-arm…

This pilot study tests whether MyFILM, a 9-week group program using clips from the movie Inside Out, is feasible and acceptable for children aged 9-12 with mood or anxiety concerns. Participants attend weekly sessions to learn social-emotional skills and coping strategies. The st…

This study tests BraveBot, a computer program that talks with young people (ages 12-22) through their phone or computer while they do exposure therapy homework for anxiety or OCD. BraveBot does not replace the therapist but offers real-time coaching and encouragement during assig…

This study compares two types of therapy for adults afraid of dogs, spiders, or snakes: one uses virtual reality (Doxy.me VR) and the other uses standard photos and videos. Both are delivered via telehealth. Researchers want to see if VR feels more realistic and reduces phobia se…

This study tests whether an AI-based rehabilitation program, combined with usual care, can reduce anxiety symptoms more than usual care alone. About 158 adults with anxiety disorders will use the AI system for 12 sessions over 3 weeks. The goal is to see if digital therapy can im…

This study tests a smartphone app designed to help teenagers in rural New Hampshire cope with anxiety. The app sends quick, personalized suggestions for calming activities. Fifty teens aged 13-17 with mild or worse anxiety will use the app for 3 months or be placed on a waitlist.…

Many cancer survivors live with a persistent fear that their cancer will return, which can harm their mental health and daily life. This pilot study will test a type of talking therapy called metacognitive therapy (MCT) against relaxation therapy in 120 survivors. The goal is to …

This study tests whether a single session of computer-based cognitive bias modification can reduce social anxiety in 130 Pakistani university students aged 18 to 25. Participants will either receive the active training or a control version, and their anxiety levels will be measur…

This study tests whether adding virtual reality (VR) sessions to standard counseling helps university students with public speaking anxiety more than counseling alone. About 72 students will be randomly assigned to either counseling only or counseling plus VR exercises that simul…

This trial will test three simple techniques—box breathing, a cognitive reframing tool called 'Magnify,' and emotion regulation through song lyrics—in 200 middle and high school choir students. Researchers want to see if these music-based interventions can reduce anxiety and impr…

This study tests whether very short (4 or 8 sessions) psychological treatments can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress-related physical complaints. About 184 adults with mild to moderate symptoms will be randomly assigned to group or individual therapy, or a relaxa…

This study tests whether virtual reality (VR) can make cognitive behavioral therapy more effective for young people with social anxiety and depression. Ninety participants aged 15-24 will go through six 60-minute VR sessions that simulate social situations like a café or classroo…

Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health are studying how everyday feelings, like stress or frustration, influence decision-making. They will follow 420 adults aged 18 to 55, including healthy volunteers and people with varying levels of depression, anxiety, or addi…

This study looks at how people with anxiety make decisions to avoid things that make them anxious. Researchers will use brain scans and phone tracking to see how avoidance behavior works in the lab and in real life. About 163 adults with and without anxiety will take part. The go…

This study looks at how nomophobia (fear of being without a phone) affects anxiety and academic confidence in university students who have text neck (neck pain from looking down at phones). Researchers will survey 396 students aged 18-35 who use smartphones at least 3 hours daily…

This study will test a digital tool called AI-COA® to see how well it measures the severity of depression and anxiety compared to standard clinician ratings. About 150 adults in the U.S. who are starting a new treatment for depression or anxiety will use the tool over 12 weeks. T…