Computer-Based Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder, A Randomized Controlled Trial
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Summary
The present study is a controlled trial that seeks to examine the feasibility, acceptability, mechanism, and efficacy of a recently developed computer-based therapy in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Description
This randomized clinical trial examines the feasibility, acceptability, mechanism, and relative efficacy of two forms of a recently developed 4-week/8-session computer-based therapy in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). The purpose of this study is to assess whether a brief computer-based research treatment, provided in 30 minutes sessions, helps improve social anxiety symptoms, and by what mechanism. The study will also assess the effect of research treatments on brain activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females between the ages of 18 to 60 * Current primary diagnosis of SAD * Score of at least 50 on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (self-rated version) * Fluent in English * Willing and able to give informed written consent * Ability to participate responsibly in the protocol * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision Exclusion Criteria: * Present or past psychotic episode, psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder * Current severe depression * Suicidal ideation or behavior * Current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress diso…
Interventions
- BehavioralComputer-Based Treatment
A 4-week (8 30-minute sessions) course of computer-based treatment involving viewing pictures of faces while music may play. Participants will receive research treatment twice a week.
Location
- 1051 Riverside DriveNew York, New York