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Detection of social anxiety using multiple simultaneous biosignals: A pilot study.
Christoph Tremmel1, Nathan T M Huneke2,3, Daniel Hobson1
1University of Southampton, Electronics and Computer Science, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|September 4, 2025
Summary
This study found that physiological signals like heart rate, breathing, skin response, and brain activity can detect anticipatory anxiety in social situations. These biosignals may help understand and treat social anxiety disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is common and impairs quality of life.
- Current treatments for SAD have limited remission rates.
- Understanding SAD's psychophysiological underpinnings is crucial for developing better interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if multiple biosignals can detect anticipatory anxiety before social interactions.
- To identify potential psychophysiological biomarkers for Social Anxiety Disorder.
Main Methods:
- A modified Internet-based Stress Test for Social Anxiety Disorder was used.
- Physiological data (heart rate, respiratory rate, electrodermal activity, head movements, EEG) were collected from 17 healthy volunteers.
- EEG power across various frequencies was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Anticipatory anxiety correlated with increased heart rate, respiratory rate, and tonic electrodermal activity.
- Increased variance in head roll and elevated theta, beta, and gamma EEG power were observed.
- These findings suggest a pattern of physiological responses associated with anticipatory anxiety.
Conclusions:
- A combination of biosignals may offer insights into the psychophysiology of social anxiety.
- These findings could inform future research and clinical applications for SAD.
- Further studies in clinical populations are needed to refine diagnostic and prognostic tools.
