Using a smartphone app for exposure therapy in anxiety disorders
Official title: Analyzing the Benefits of Using SYMPTOMS-JIT for in Vivo Exposure in Anxiety Disorders: a Randomized Controlled Trial Using a Mixed Methods Approach
Run by Universitat Jaume I · NCT06788119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using a smartphone app can make exposure therapy more effective for people with anxiety compared to traditional therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 158 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitat Jaume I Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Castellon, Castellón) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 16, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06788119 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who meet the DSM-5 criteria for specific phobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other psychological issues requiring immediate attention or those currently undergoing similar treatment programs 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 study aims to develop and evaluate a novel smartphone-guided intervention called SYMPTOMS-JIT for in vivo exposure therapy in patients with anxiety disorders. It will compare the efficacy of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with in vivo exposure (IVE) against CBT with the added SYMPTOMS-JIT app. The study will assess treatment outcomes at multiple follow-up points to determine the effectiveness and patient preference for the app-enhanced therapy. Additionally, it will explore barriers to technology use in mental health treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of exposure therapy for patients with anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of technology in mental health is growing, this specific approach of combining sensor-guided interventions with in vivo exposure therapy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being at least 18 years or older. * Meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (APA, 2013) for anxiety disorder, specifically specific phobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder and social phobia. * Being willing to follow the study conditions. * Sign the consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Having another psychological problem that requires immediate attention. * Having current alcohol or drug dependence or abuse, psychosis or severe organic illness. * Currently being treated in a similar treatment program. * Taking anxiolytics during the study (or in the case of taking them, changing drug or dose during the study).
Where it's running
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University Jaume I
Castellon, Castellón, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Juana María Bretón-López, Lecturer — University Jaume I
- Study coordinator: Iratxe Alonso-Olea, Phd Student
- Email: iolea@uji.es
- Phone: +34 964 38 76 51
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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.