Anxiety disorders affect roughly 30% of adults at some point in life. Current treatment relies on SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Many people respond well, but side effects, delayed onset of benefit, and incomplete symptom control leave room for new approaches.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing fast-acting drugs that target GABA and glutamate systems, psychedelics combined with therapy, digital therapeutics that deliver CBT through apps, and medications that work on inflammation or the stress hormone system. Researchers are also studying biomarkers to predict which treatments will work for which patients.
Rapid-onset treatments
Drugs that act on NMDA receptors or neurosteroids may reduce anxiety within hours instead of weeks. Some are being tested as nasal sprays or single-dose treatments for acute episodes.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Psilocybin and MDMA are being studied in combination with structured therapy sessions. Early results suggest lasting reductions in anxiety, particularly in cancer patients and those with PTSD-related anxiety.
Digital therapeutics
Apps delivering guided CBT, exposure therapy, and mindfulness training are being tested as standalone treatments or add-ons to medication. Some studies show results comparable to in-person therapy.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on anxiety severity, specific diagnosis (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), and whether you've tried standard treatments.
What types of trials are currently open
- Medication trials — Testing new drugs or repurposed medications, often comparing them to SSRIs or placebo to see if they reduce anxiety symptoms faster or more completely.
- Psychedelic trials — Studying psilocybin, MDMA, or similar drugs combined with therapy sessions, usually in controlled clinical settings with trained facilitators.
- Digital intervention trials — Testing apps or online programs that deliver CBT, exposure therapy, or other evidence-based techniques, often accessed from home.
- Neuromodulation trials — Using transcranial magnetic stimulation or vagus nerve stimulation to change brain activity patterns associated with anxiety.
- Biomarker studies — Collecting blood, imaging, or genetic data to identify patterns that predict treatment response, aiming to personalize anxiety care.
Recently added Anxiety trials
Study of Anxiety Free Experiences at the Dentist
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two treatments for dental phobia in children and adolescents: One-Session Treatment for Dental Phobia (OSTD) and psychoeducation plus relaxation training (RELAX). The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Is one intervention more effective in reducing the severity of dental phobia 6 months after treatment? * Are improvements in dental fear and anxiety maintained 12 months after treatment? * How do changes in fear-related learning and beliefs contribute to treatment outcomes? * How acceptable and practical are these treatments for youth, their parents, and the professionals delivering the treatments? Researchers will enroll approximately 160 youth with dental phobia and randomly assign them to one of two treatment groups. Participants will receive either OSTD or RELAX. Participants will: * Complete an initial assessment of their dental fear and anxiety. * Participate in their assigned treatment. * Complete assessments 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment to evaluate changes in dental fear, anxiety, and related beliefs and behaviors. Researchers will compare the two groups to determine which treatment is more effective in reducing dental phobia, whether improvements last over time, and how changes in fear-related learning may contribute to treatment outcomes.
The Effects of Laughter Yoga and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Pregnancy Symptoms and Pregnancy-Related Anxiety in Primiparous Women in the First Trimester
Pregnancy involves substantial physical and emotional changes. During the first trimester, women may experience various pregnancy-related symptoms and anxiety as they adapt to pregnancy. These symptoms and concerns may affect their daily lives and overall well-being. Laughter yoga and progressive muscle relaxation are non-pharmacological approaches that may help women cope with these experiences. This randomized controlled study aims to examine the effects of laughter yoga and progressive muscle relaxation exercises on pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy-related anxiety among primiparous women in the first trimester. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: laughter yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or control. Women in the intervention groups will participate in structured online sessions of laughter yoga or progressive muscle relaxation exercises, while women in the control group will continue their routine care. Pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy-related anxiety will be assessed at baseline, Day 30, and Day 60. The study will compare changes in these outcomes across the three groups to determine the effects of the interventions.
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