An anonymous online program for treating social anxiety
PRIVATE - Preference Research: Investigating Variations of Anonymity, Transparency, and Efficacy in Digital Health Applications
This study tests a new online program for treating social anxiety that lets people stay anonymous to see if it works better than a regular version that requires personal information.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 452 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Trial ID | NCT06465589 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates an internet-based program designed to help individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) through anonymous access, without collecting personal identifying information. It compares this new anonymized version to a standard version that requires user identification, assessing both usability and effectiveness. The program is based on established cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques and aims to address concerns about data security and privacy in digital health interventions. Participants will engage in a partially randomized patient preference trial to evaluate the outcomes of both versions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who experience significant social anxiety and have access to the internet and digital devices.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychotic symptoms or bipolar disorder, or those at risk of suicide, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide a safer and more accessible treatment option for individuals suffering from social anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that online therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of social anxiety, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent * Be 18 years or older, * Have access to the internet * Have access to a smartphone, computer or tablet * Score 22 points or higher on the Social Phobia Scale or 33 points or higher on the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SPS \& SIAS) Exclusion Criteria: * Score 2 points or higher on the suicide item of the PHQ-9 * Have previously been diagnosed with psychotic symptoms or bipolar disorder
Where this trial is running
Bern
- University Bern, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Department — Bern, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Thomas Berger, Prof. Dr. — University Bern, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Department
- Study coordinator: Stefanie Arnold, M. Sc
- Email: stefanie.arnold@unibe.ch
- Phone: +41 31 684 54 19
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.