Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)NCT07666776
Efficacy of Attention Bias Modification vs. Placebo for Social Anxiety Disorder
A study testing Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM) in people with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Attention Bias Modification Treatment (ABMT), run by Tel Aviv University at 1 site in Israel.
Trial summary
This study examines whether a computerized attention-training intervention called attention bias modification (ABM) can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults, and whether symptom improvement is specifically related to changes in attentional processing or to nonspecific factors such as expectancy… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Attention Bias Modification Treatment (ABMT), Placebo Effect
- What is being tested?
- Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 siteIsrael
- Study dates
- 15 Jun 2026to 30 Jun 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18-65 years
- Primary diagnosis of generalized Social Anxiety Disorder based on clinical evaluation, the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and a Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) score greater than 50
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision without color blindness
- Sufficient Hebrew proficiency to complete clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and computerized cognitive tasks
Who cannot join
- Previous participation in attention bias modification training using a dot-probe task
- Previous participation in eye-tracking-based attention training
- Current diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Current or past diagnosis of psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
- Neurological disorder (e.g., epilepsy or traumatic brain injury)
- Severe suicidal ideation
Show all 10Show fewer
- Current substance or alcohol use disorder
- Concurrent pharmacological or psychosocial treatment, unless medication has been stable for at least 45 days
- Pregnancy
- Uncorrected visual impairment or use of multifocal glasses
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Israel1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Tel Aviv university
Tel Aviv
Yuval Regev, masters, +97245-333-4472, yuvalregev4@mail.tau.ac.il
About this study
Official title: Placebo Effects in Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM) Among Adults With Social Anxiety Disorder.
This study examines whether a computerized attention-training intervention called attention bias modification (ABM) can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults, and whether symptom improvement is specifically related to changes in attentional processing or to nonspecific factors such as expectancy and placebo effects.
Read the detailed description
This study examines whether a computerized attention-training intervention called attention bias modification (ABM) can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults, and whether symptom improvement is specifically related to changes in attentional processing or to nonspecific factors such as expectancy and placebo effects.
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent fear of social situations and negative evaluation by others. Previous research suggests that individuals with SAD tend to direct their attention toward socially threatening information, such as angry facial expressions. ABM was developed to reduce these attentional biases by training individuals to shift attention away from threat-related stimuli. However, findings regarding the clinical efficacy of ABM have been mixed, and some studies suggest that symptom improvement may also result from placebo-related factors, including treatment expectancy and engagement with the intervention.
In this randomized controlled trial, 90 adults diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder will be assigned to one of three study conditions: (1) active dot-probe ABM training, (2) placebo computerized training, or (3) a wait-list control group. Participants in the active and placebo training groups will complete eight computerized training sessions over four weeks.
The study will assess changes in social anxiety symptoms before and after the intervention using clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and computerized attention tasks. In addition, the study will examine attention bias and attention bias variability (ABV), using both reaction-time-based and eye-tracking-based measures, to better understand changes in attentional processing over time. Treatment expectancy and perceived credibility of the intervention will also be evaluated.
The hypothesis is that participants receiving active ABM training and placebo training will show greater reductions in social anxiety symptoms compared to the wait-list control group, and that participants in the active condition will show greater reduction in symptoms than the placebo condition. The study further hypothesizes that only the active ABM condition will produce significant changes in attention bias and attentional bias variability. Overall, the study aims to clarify the specific and nonspecific mechanisms underlying symptom improvement following Attention Bias Modification interventions for Social Anxiety Disorder.
- Conditions
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Attention Bias Modification Treatment (ABMT), Placebo Effect
- Being tested
- Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM), Placebo Training
- Keywords
- Social Anxiety; Placebo; Treatment; Attention Bias
- Medical subject headings
- Phobia, Social
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM)Behavioural
Also called ABM
Participants complete a computerized dot-probe attention training task designed to train attention away from threat-related stimuli. During each trial, angry and neutral facial expressions are presented simultaneously, followed by a probe that consistently appears in the location of the neutral face. Participants complete eight training sessions over four weeks.
Placebo TrainingBehavioural
Participants complete a computerized task matched to the active training condition in duration, structure, and task demands, but without exposure to emotional stimuli or attentional training contingencies. The task is designed to control for nonspecific factors such as expectancy and engagement. Participants complete eight sessions over four weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active ABM Training | Active comparator | Mechanized Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM) training attention away from threat faces. Participants identify the direction of an arrowehead presented at the location of neutral faces. Receives: Behavioral: Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM) |
| Placebo Training | Placebo comparator | Mechanized Intervention: Placebo Training, presenting a single, centered, non-face oval shape in each trial. Participants identify the direction of an arrowehead centrally presented. Receives: Behavioral: Placebo Training |
| Wait-List Control | No intervention | No Intervention / Wait-List, assessments at the same intervals as the active and placebo conditions without intervention in between. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in social anxiety symptoms
Change in social anxiety symptom severity from baseline to post-intervention as measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Min-Max values 0-80, higher scores mean worse outcome.
Measured: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Secondary outcomes (8)
Change in reaction-time-based attention bias measured in miliseconds
Change in attention bias derived from reaction-time performance on the dot-probe task.
Measured: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in reaction-time-based attention bias variability
Change in attention bias variability derived from reaction-time performance on the dot-probe task.
Measured: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in eye-tracking-based attention bias
Change in attention bias measured using eye-tracking during a free-viewing task with threat-related and neutral facial stimuli.
Measured: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in eye-tracking-based attention bias variability
Change in attention bias variability measured using eye-tracking during a free-viewing task with threat-related and neutral facial stimuli.
Measured: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Treatment Expectancy and Credibility
Participant-rated treatment expectancy and perceived credibility assessed using the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ). 0-9 scale and 0% - 100%. Higher scores indicate greater treatment credibility and greater expectation of improvement.
Measured: Baseline one-week before treatment begins
Change in depressive symptoms
Change in depressive symptom severity measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Scale range 0-20, higher scores mean worse outcome.
Measured: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in Generalized Anxiety Symptoms
Change in generalized anxiety symptoms measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7). Scores range 0-21, higher scores mean worse outcome.
Measured: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Self report change in social anxiety symptoms
Change insocial anxiety symptom severity measured using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Scores range 0-68, higher scores mean worse outcome.
Measured: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Jun 2026
- Study start15 Jun 2026
- Primary completion30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Tel Aviv University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Yair Bar-Haim, Tel Aviv University
- Investigators
- Yair Bar-Haim, PhD, Principal investigator, Tel Aviv University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07666776
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ABM_P
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Placebo Effects in Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM) Among Adults With Social Anxiety Disorder.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07666776
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ABM_P
- Conditions
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Attention Bias Modification Treatment (ABMT), Placebo Effect
- Keywords
- Social Anxiety; Placebo; Treatment; Attention Bias
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Tel Aviv UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study examines whether a computerized attention-training intervention called attention bias modification (ABM) can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults, and whether symptom improvement is specifically related to changes in attentional processing or to nonspecific factors such as expectancy and placebo effects.
Detailed description
This study examines whether a computerized attention-training intervention called attention bias modification (ABM) can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults, and whether symptom improvement is specifically related to changes in attentional processing or to nonspecific factors such as expectancy and placebo effects.
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent fear of social situations and negative evaluation by others. Previous research suggests that individuals with SAD tend to direct their attention toward socially threatening information, such as angry facial expressions. ABM was developed to reduce these attentional biases by training individuals to shift attention away from threat-related stimuli. However, findings regarding the clinical efficacy of ABM have been mixed, and some studies suggest that symptom improvement may also result from placebo-related factors, including treatment expectancy and engagement with the intervention.
In this randomized controlled trial, 90 adults diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder will be assigned to one of three study conditions: (1) active dot-probe ABM training, (2) placebo computerized training, or (3) a wait-list control group. Participants in the active and placebo training groups will complete eight computerized training sessions over four weeks.
The study will assess changes in social anxiety symptoms before and after the intervention using clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and computerized attention tasks. In addition, the study will examine attention bias and attention bias variability (ABV), using both reaction-time-based and eye-tracking-based measures, to better understand changes in attentional processing over time. Treatment expectancy and perceived credibility of the intervention will also be evaluated.
The hypothesis is that participants receiving active ABM training and placebo training will show greater reductions in social anxiety symptoms compared to the wait-list control group, and that participants in the active condition will show greater reduction in symptoms than the placebo condition. The study further hypothesizes that only the active ABM condition will produce significant changes in attention bias and attentional bias variability. Overall, the study aims to clarify the specific and nonspecific mechanisms underlying symptom improvement following Attention Bias Modification interventions for Social Anxiety Disorder.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active ABM Training | Active comparator | Behavioral: Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM)Mechanized Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM) training attention away from threat faces. Participants identify the direction of an arrowehead presented at the location of neutral faces. |
| Placebo Training | Placebo comparator | Behavioral: Placebo TrainingMechanized Intervention: Placebo Training, presenting a single, centered, non-face oval shape in each trial. Participants identify the direction of an arrowehead centrally presented. |
| Wait-List Control | No intervention | –No Intervention / Wait-List, assessments at the same intervals as the active and placebo conditions without intervention in between. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Adults aged 18-65 years
- Primary diagnosis of generalized Social Anxiety Disorder based on clinical evaluation, the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and a Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) score greater than 50
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision without color blindness
- Sufficient Hebrew proficiency to complete clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and computerized cognitive tasks
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Previous participation in attention bias modification training using a dot-probe task
- Previous participation in eye-tracking-based attention training
- Current diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Current or past diagnosis of psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
- Neurological disorder (e.g., epilepsy or traumatic brain injury)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM)Also: ABMParticipants complete a computerized dot-probe attention training task designed to train attention away from threat-related stimuli. During each trial, angry and neutral facial expressions are presented simultaneously, followed by a probe that consistently appears in the location of the neutral face. Participants complete eight training sessions over four weeks. | Behavioural | Active ABM Training |
| Placebo TrainingParticipants complete a computerized task matched to the active training condition in duration, structure, and task demands, but without exposure to emotional stimuli or attentional training contingencies. The task is designed to control for nonspecific factors such as expectancy and engagement. Participants complete eight sessions over four weeks. | Behavioural | Placebo Training |
Primary outcome
Change in social anxiety symptoms
Time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in social anxiety symptom severity from baseline to post-intervention as measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Min-Max values 0-80, higher scores mean worse outcome.
8 secondary outcomes
Change in reaction-time-based attention bias measured in miliseconds
Time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in reaction-time-based attention bias variability
Time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in eye-tracking-based attention bias
Time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in eye-tracking-based attention bias variability
Time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Treatment Expectancy and Credibility
Time frame: Baseline one-week before treatment begins
Change in depressive symptoms
Time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Change in Generalized Anxiety Symptoms
Time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Self report change in social anxiety symptoms
Time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Yair Bar-Haim, PhD principal investigator
Tel Aviv University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Dot-Probe Attention Bias Modification (ABM) in people with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Attention Bias Modification Treatment (ABMT), run by Tel Aviv University at 1 site in Israel.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Israel. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Yair Bar-Haim, PhD (97236405465, yair1@tauex.tau.ac.il), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in social anxiety symptoms (time frame: a) Baseline one-week before treatment begins; b) an average of 2 weeks following treatment completion. Total time frame (baseline-post) an average of 6 weeks.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Jun 2026.