NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms

Official title: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy to Disorder-Specific Psychotherapy in the Recovery of Veterans with Social Anxiety Disorder and Comorbid PTSD Symptomatology

Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11556448 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.

More Anxiety research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRalph H Johnson VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2023
Project endSeptember 30, 2027
Funding year2027
NIH project number5I01RX004516-04
Project IDNIH-11556448 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Veterans with social anxiety disorder who also have PTSD symptoms and are receiving care at the VA system.

Less likely to help

Some participants may not experience meaningful improvement during the study.

What this research studies

This study compares a transdiagnostic therapy called Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) to traditional disorder-specific psychotherapy for veterans who have social anxiety disorder along with PTSD symptoms. The goal is to reduce social impairment, improve quality of life, and increase engagement in daily activities and community reintegration. The trial will recruit veterans receiving care at a VA medical center and follow their progress over time to see which approach yields broader and more lasting improvements. Participants will participate in structured sessions and standard assessments to measure anxiety, functioning, and safety.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, veterans could experience less social anxiety, better mood, and greater participation in work, relationships, and community activities.

How similar studies have gone: Prior studies of transdiagnostic therapies have shown benefits across multiple domains of functioning in psychiatric populations, suggesting potential for broad impact.

Where this research is happening

  • Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
    Charleston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gros, Daniel F. — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Gros, Daniel F.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Comparing two types of therapy for veterans with social anxiety and PTSD

    This study is looking at whether a new type of therapy called Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy can help veterans with Social Anxiety Disorder and PTSD feel better and reconnect with important activities and relationships, compared to traditional therapy that focuses on just one issue.

    NIH research Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · Charleston, United States · NIH-10906671

  • Understanding brain markers of PTSD, depression, and anxiety across large imaging datasets

    A large study will look at brain scans from people with PTSD, depression, and anxiety to find brain patterns that are linked to these conditions and to see how they relate to symptoms and treatment outcomes.

    NIH research University of Texas Arlington · Arlington, United States · NIH-11376509

  • Improving Short Treatments for Anxiety and PTSD in South Africa

    This project explores a quick, new way to help people in South Africa who experience anxiety and PTSD in local health clinics.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11158718

  • A New Way to Help Young People with Social Anxiety

    This project is developing a new, quick way to help young people who struggle with social anxiety.

    NIH research Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11137619

  • Using a digital tool to help women cope with anxiety after sexual assault.

    This study is testing a helpful online tool designed to support women who have experienced sexual assault and are in emergency care by reducing their fear of anxiety, which can help prevent issues like PTSD and improve their mental health.

    NIH research University of Nevada Las Vegas · Las Vegas, United States · NIH-11042862

  • A brief treatment for anxiety disorders and PTSD in South Africa

    This study is testing a new, shorter treatment for anxiety and PTSD that can be used in regular doctor’s offices in South Africa, making it easier for people to get the help they need.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-10892939

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.