Mindfulness app for treating anxiety
Official title: Brief Smartphone Treatment Study for Anxiety and Depression
Run by Penn State University · NCT04846777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 14, 2018 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2023 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2023 |
| Registry record updated | April 26, 2022 |
| Trial ID | NCT04846777 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe mental health issues such as suicidality, mania, psychosis, or substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
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Anxiety Skills Study: See if video skill training plus therapy helps people with anxiety
This study tests whether a brief video-based skill training can help people with anxiety as well as four therapy sessions, and how durable the effects are over a year.
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Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (cTBS for GAD)
This study tests whether applying continuous theta burst stimulation to the right posterior parietal cortex or the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex helps adults with generalized anxiety disorder.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.