Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorPenn State University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 14, 2018
Main results expectedJuly 31, 2023
Study endsJuly 31, 2023
Registry record updatedApril 26, 2022
Trial IDNCT04846777 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

  • 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

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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.