Using smartphone sensors to track symptom relief in social anxiety disorder treatment
Using Smartphone Sensors to Assess Symptom Relief in Patients With Social Anxiety Disorder Undergoing Gaze Contingent Music Reward Therapy (GC-MRT)
This study is testing if a smartphone app can help track symptom relief in adults with social anxiety disorder while they try a new therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tel Aviv University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tel Aviv) |
| Trial ID | NCT06732999 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital behavior-based framework using the BHQ app to monitor symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults aged 18-65. Participants will undergo an initial clinical assessment and engage in a computer-based attention task, followed by continuous symptom monitoring through the app. The study will compare the app's measurements with traditional clinical assessments to determine if the app can reliably track symptom relief and if Gaze-Contingent Music Reward Therapy (GC-MRT) significantly reduces symptoms of SAD.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a primary diagnosis of social anxiety disorder and ownership of a compatible smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients with current diagnoses of PTSD, psychosis, or bipolar disorder, as well as those with severe suicidal ideation or substance addiction, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective and accessible way to monitor and treat social anxiety disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of digital tools for monitoring mental health is gaining traction, this specific approach utilizing the BHQ app and GC-MRT is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Normal or corrected vision, without color blindness. * A primary diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (based on clinician assessment (LSAS), a MINI interview, and an LSAS score above 50). * Age range of 18-65. * Ownership of a smartphone that supports the digital monitoring App. Exclusion Criteria: * Prior experience with GC-MRT. * A current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). * A current or past diagnosis of psychosis or bipolar disorder. * Neurological disorder (e.g., epilepsy, brain injury). * Severe suicidal ideation. * Substance or alcohol addiction. * Concurrent treatment (pharmacological or psychosocial). * Pregnancy. * Insufficient Hebrew proficiency (unable to complete a clinical interview and/or self-report symptoms and/or perform cognitive tasks).
Where this trial is running
Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv University — Tel Aviv, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yair Bar-Haim, Professor — School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University
- Study coordinator: Or M Ben Harush, MA
- Email: ormeirb@mail.tau.ac.il
- Phone: +972525365052
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.