Actively Recruiting
Computer-Based Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder, A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by New York State Psychiatric Institute · Updated on 2026-06-01
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
N
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Lead Sponsor
C
Columbia University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a new computer-based therapy designed for individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). This randomized clinical trial aims to study the feasibility, acceptability, how the therapy works, and its effectiveness in improving social anxiety symptoms. The study also investigates changes in brain activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to better understand the treatment's impact. Participants will undergo a 4-week treatment program consisting of eight sessions. Each session lasts 30 minutes and involves viewing pictures of faces, sometimes accompanied by music. Treatments are delivered twice a week over the four-week period. The study includes two groups receiving different forms of this computer-based therapy for comparison. During the trial, participants will be assessed using various scales measuring social anxiety and quality of life at the start and up to four months later. Evaluations include brain scans with MRI, questionnaires, and clinical impressions to monitor changes and treatment effects. The trial is designed to carefully track participants' progress and safety throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Computer - Based Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Males and females between the ages of 18 to 60
- Current primary diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Score of at least 50 on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (self-rated version)
- Fluent in English
- Willing and able to give informed written consent
- Ability to participate responsibly in the protocol
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
You will not qualify if you...
- Present or past psychotic episode, psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder
- Current severe depression
- Suicidal ideation or behavior
- Current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, manic episode, or tic disorder
- Current or past organic mental disorder, seizure disorder, epilepsy, or brain injury
- Current unstable or untreated medical illness
- Severe alcohol use disorder, severe cannabis use disorder, or any severity of other substance use disorder (except nicotine use disorders)
- Use of psychiatric medication in the past month other than a stable dose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for at least 3 months
- Any concurrent cognitive behavioral therapy or other psychotherapy started in the past 3 months
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the study period
- Contraindication to MRI scanning such as pacemaker, paramagnetic metallic prosthesis, surgical clips, shrapnel, constant medicinal patch, or some tattoos
- Inability to tolerate MRI scanning procedures like severe obesity or claustrophobia
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants undergo a 4-week computer-based treatment involving eight 30-minute sessions. Treatments occur twice a week and involve viewing pictures of faces while music may play.
2 visits per week for 4 weeks
Duration - Up to 4 months
Participants are monitored for changes in social anxiety symptoms and quality of life up to 4 months after treatment completion.
Visits scheduled as needed up to Month 4
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
1051 Riverside Drive
New York, New York, United States, 10032
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Franklin Schneier, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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