Mindfulness app for treating anxiety
Brief Smartphone Treatment Study for Anxiety and Depression
This study is testing a 14-day mindfulness app to see if it can help people with generalized anxiety disorder feel less anxious and improve their focus and social skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04846777 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a 14-day mindfulness ecological momentary intervention (MEMI) delivered via a smartphone app for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the mindfulness intervention or a self-monitoring placebo group. The study aims to explore the potential benefits of mindfulness strategies on attentional control, executive functioning, and social cognition. By addressing the treatment gap in mental health, this trial seeks to provide insights into the efficacy of brief digital interventions for anxiety management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder who are not currently receiving mental health treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health issues such as suicidality, mania, psychosis, or substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could offer a convenient and effective self-help tool for individuals struggling with anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: While mindfulness interventions have been explored in various contexts, this specific approach using a smartphone app for GAD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder based on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-IV self-report and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview * Current student at the Pennsylvania State University or a community-dwelling adult who expressed interest to participate through the PSU StudyFinder portal * Expressed interest to seek treatment * Currently not receiving treatment from a mental health professional * Able to provide consent * Proficient in English Exclusion Criteria: * Below age 18 * Failure to meet any of above inclusion criteria * Participant currently undergoing * Presence of suicidality, mania, psychosis, or substance use disorders
Where this trial is running
University Park, Pennsylvania
- The Pennsylvania State University — University Park, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nur Hani Zainal, M.S. — The Pennsylvania State University
- Study coordinator: Nur Hani Zainal, M.S.
- Email: nvz5057@psu.edu
- Phone: 917-767-7088
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.