Does privacy matter in digital therapy? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT06465589
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at how anonymity and data privacy affect the success of online therapy for social anxiety. Over 450 adults used either a fully anonymous or a standard version of a digital self-help program. The goal was to see if privacy options change how well the therapy works and what people prefer.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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452 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2024
- Finished
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Mar 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent * Be 18 years or older, * Have access to the internet * Have access to a smartphone, computer or tablet * Score 22 points or higher on the Social Phobia Scale or 33 points or higher on the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SPS \& SIAS) Exclusion Criteria: * Score 2 points or higher on the suicide item of the PHQ-9 * Have previously been diagnosed with psychotic symptoms or bipolar disorder
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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
Locations
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University Bern, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Department
Bern, 3012, Switzerland
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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