VR therapy takes on social anxiety in youth
NCT ID NCT06876779
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
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 classroom. The goal is to see if this approach reduces symptoms and is cost-effective.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- virtual reality cognitive behavioral therapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a more engaging and scalable way to treat social anxiety and depression in young people.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 90 participants. The effects may not last or be generalizable, and VR may cause discomfort or side effects like dizziness.
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
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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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About 90 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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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15 to 24 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: 1. youths aged between 15 and 24 years old; and 2. scoring above 24 on the Social Phobia Inventory. Exclusion Criteria: 1. unable to attempt a baseline assessment (e.g., due to being unpermitted to leave a psychiatric ward); 2. photosensitive epilepsy; 3. significant visual, auditory, or balance impairment; 4. currently receiving another intensive psychological intervention; and 5. currently holding active suicidal plans
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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