Social Stress Test for Social Anxiety
(SSBI Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how stress affects brain activity in individuals without mental health disorders. Participants will watch a nature film and then either undergo a social stress test (the Trier Social Stress Test, or TSST) or continue with the film. The goal is to determine if stress alters brain function, potentially enhancing the understanding of social anxiety. Ideal candidates are right-handed, fluent in English, and have stable medication use, without significant mental health issues or a history of certain medical conditions. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on stress and brain function.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that your current medications have been stable for the past 30 days, meaning no changes to dose or frequency. If you meet this condition, you can continue taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that the Trier Social Stress Test is safe?
Research has shown that the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) creates temporary stress. It can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and participants might feel more anxious during the test. These reactions are normal and expected. Many studies have used the TSST safely, and it is generally safe for healthy individuals. However, some participants may experience more stress than others. Those with concerns about participating should consult the study team.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) trial because it offers a novel approach to understanding social anxiety. Unlike conventional treatments that often rely on medication or cognitive behavioral therapy, this trial uses a controlled stress-inducing scenario to observe and measure stress responses. The unique combination of watching a calming nature film followed by the TSST could help identify specific triggers and responses in individuals with social anxiety. By gaining new insights into these stress mechanisms, the trial aims to pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments in the future.
What evidence suggests that the Trier Social Stress Test is effective for social anxiety?
Research has shown that the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), which participants in this trial may undergo, effectively triggers stress. Studies have found that the TSST raises cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and increases heart rate. It also heightens feelings of anxiety and stress. Researchers have used the TSST in many studies with thousands of healthy adults, consistently causing these stress responses. This consistency makes it a reliable tool for studying how stress affects the brain and body.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
John Gabrieli, PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy English-speaking adults aged 18-55 who can consent to participate. They must be right-handed, not pregnant, drug-free, and without significant mental health issues or severe medical conditions. Participants should not have used certain medications recently and must pass a social anxiety scale test.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants are randomized to either experience the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or watch a nature film prior to undergoing fMRI
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any immediate effects post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Trier Social Stress Test (TSST)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Lead Sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Collaborator