Texting away anxiety: smartphone study targets appearance worries
NCT ID NCT06896435
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether text message reminders to stop 'safety behaviors' (like checking mirrors or seeking reassurance) could ease appearance concerns. 401 adults with body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, or eating disorders were split into two groups: one received text prompts and checklists, the other watched relaxing videos. Researchers measured changes in social appearance anxiety, social phobia, and eating disorder symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Safety behavior fading via text message reminders and checklists
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to help people with appearance concerns reduce anxiety and improve body image.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study comparing two behavioral interventions, not a drug trial. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect may be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
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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401 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- 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 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Seeking treatment for appearance concerns Exclusion Criteria: * Currently receiving treatment (therapy, counseling, etc.) for anxiety, depression, eating disorder, or body image/appearance concerns * If applicable, unstable psychiatric medication usage any time over the past 4 weeks
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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
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida, 32304, United States
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