Investigating how reward processing can improve exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder
Official title: Reward Processing and Exposure Therapy
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11079544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how improving the way people with social anxiety respond to rewards can make exposure therapy—where they face their fears—more effective, helping them feel better in social situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,926 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH133971-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, particularly those who experience significant fear of social situations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have social anxiety disorder or those who are not experiencing significant anxiety in social situations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between reward processing and exposure therapy for individuals with social anxiety disorder. It aims to enhance the effectiveness of exposure therapy, which helps patients confront their fears, by improving their reward processing abilities. The study will involve participants undergoing exposure therapy while their reward responses are monitored, potentially using techniques to stimulate reward circuitry. By understanding how reward processing influences fear extinction, the research seeks to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for those struggling with social anxiety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with social anxiety disorder, making exposure therapy more effective.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing fear extinction through reward processing, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zbozinek, Tomislav Damir — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zbozinek, Tomislav Damir
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.