Training to Shift Attention Away from Threats in Social Anxiety
Mobile-based Attentional Bias Modification Training (ABMT) for Socially Anxious Individuals
This study is testing a new mobile app that helps people with social anxiety learn to focus less on scary thoughts and more on neutral ones to see if it can improve their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06054386 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates a new approach to Attention Bias Modification Training (ABMT) aimed at improving symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Participants with moderate to severe social anxiety will be randomly assigned to either an Integrated Attentional Bias Modification (I-ABM) training or a placebo training. The I-ABM training will focus on shifting attention away from threatening stimuli towards neutral stimuli using a mobile app. Participants will complete training sessions three times a week for three weeks, followed by assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the training.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder and moderate to severe symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with self-reported visual impairments or a history of bipolar or psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly reduce symptoms of social anxiety and improve daily functioning for affected individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that attentional bias modification can be effective, but this approach aims to enhance the existing methods, making it a novel exploration.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (based on the DIAMOND interview - Social anxiety module) * Moderate or severe symptoms of social anxiety as revealed by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS score of ≥ 40) or MINI-SPIN (Score of ≥ 6) * Ages 18-60 * English as a primary language * Possession of a mobile device for access to the app (Inquisit 6) Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported visual impairment that cannot be adjusted and will prevent them from clearly recognizing words and pictures on mobile screen * Self-reported history of a bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder
Where this trial is running
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Han-Joo Lee, PhD — 414-229-5858
- Study coordinator: Yourim Kim, M.A.
- Email: yourim@uwm.edu
- Phone: 414-251-5124
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.