Text Messages for Social Anxiety

This trial explores the effectiveness of a text message-based treatment for individuals with social anxiety. It compares two approaches: one reduces behaviors that make people feel safe in social situations (Safety Behavior Fading for Social Anxiety), and the other targets unhealthy habits related to anxiety (Unhealthy Behavior Fading). Both treatments last 28 days. Individuals may qualify if they show strong signs of social anxiety and have been on the same medication for at least four weeks. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research and potentially benefit from new treatment strategies for social anxiety.

No, you don't need to stop your current medications. You must have stable psychotropic medications for 4 weeks before joining.

Research has shown that both Safety Behavior Fading and Unhealthy Behavior Fading are safe for people with social anxiety. These methods involve reducing certain behaviors over 28 days using text messages.

In a small study, Safety Behavior Fading used daily text messages to help people gradually cut back on behaviors linked to social anxiety. Participants appreciated the messages, and no major negative effects were reported.

Unhealthy Behavior Fading operates similarly with text messages. Research found that this method reduced social anxiety without causing significant negative effects.

Researchers are excited about these treatments for social anxiety because they focus on fading out behaviors rather than relying on medication or traditional therapy. The Safety Behavior Fading approach encourages participants to gradually reduce their reliance on behaviors that shield them from social anxiety, potentially leading to more sustainable improvement. Similarly, the Unhealthy Behavior Fading method targets behaviors that may worsen anxiety, promoting healthier habits over time. These innovative approaches could offer new, non-pharmacological options for people seeking practical strategies to manage social anxiety.

Research has shown that both Safety Behavior Fading and Unhealthy Behavior Fading, studied in this trial, can help reduce social anxiety. Participants will receive one of these treatments. One study found that Safety Behavior Fading was more effective at reducing these behaviors and lowering social anxiety levels compared to a group that did not receive this treatment. Unhealthy Behavior Fading also showed promise in reducing social anxiety over time. Both treatments use text messages to help participants gradually cut back on certain behaviors. These findings suggest that focusing on small behavior changes can improve social anxiety symptoms.¹²³⁴⁶