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Treatment of Social Phobia With Cognitive Bias Modification

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Social Phobia
Interventions
Behavioral: CBM training program variant 4
Behavioral: Cognitive bias modification training program variant 2
Behavioral: Control training variant 1
Behavioral: Cognitive bias modification training program variant 1
Behavioral: CBM training program variant 3
Behavioral: Control training variant 2
Registration Number
NCT01577303
Lead Sponsor
Umeå University
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether different internet-based treatment programs, consisting of cognitive bias modification, reduce symptoms of social phobia among a population diagnosed with this disorder.

Detailed Description

Previous studies have shown that individuals with social phobia have attention biases, often focusing on aversive stimuli or avoiding aversive stimuli. Computerized training programs have been developed to implicitly direct the users attention towards a neutral, non-threatening stimuli. In this study, such a program will be provided to 128 participants that meet the diagnostic criteria for social phobia. It will be compared with a program that implicitly directs the users' attention towards threatening cues. Pre/post-measurements will be compared. Participants will be randomized to one of three groups, receiving one of the two variants of the cognitive bias modification program or a control training.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
129
Inclusion Criteria
  • Written informed consent provided
  • Diagnosed social phobia (according to DSM-IV criteria)
  • Access to computer with internet connection, and printer
Exclusion Criteria
  • Severe depression (and/or suicidal behavior)
  • Addiction and/or abuse
  • Suffer from other severe psychiatric condition (e.g. psychosis)
  • Non-stable use of medication
  • Undergoing other, parallel psychological treatment

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
CBM training program variant 4CBM training program variant 4Attention training towards negative using words and faces
CBM training program variant 2Cognitive bias modification training program variant 2Attention training towards positive cues using words and faces as stimuli
Control training variant 1Control training variant 1Control training condition using words as stimuli
CBM training program variant 1Cognitive bias modification training program variant 1Attention training towards positive cues using words as stimuli
CBM training program variant 3CBM training program variant 3Attention training towards negative using words as stimuli
Control training variant 2Control training variant 2Control training condition using words and faces as stimuli
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline in Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self-Rated (LSAS-SR)4 months

The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) is a questionnaire by psychiatrist and researcher, Michael Liebowitz, whose objective is to assess the range of social interaction and performance situations which patients with social anxiety disorder may fear. It is commonly used to study outcomes in clinical trials. The scale features 24 items, 13 relating to performance anxiety and 11 concerning social situations. It is not intended for use as a self-reporting diagnosis.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline in Quality Of Life Inventory (QOLI)4 months

The QOLI assessment yields an overall score and a profile of problems and strengths in 16 areas of life such as love, work and play. The QOLI test is a measure of positive psychology and positive mental health.

Change from baseline in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)4 months

9-item depression rating scale.

Change from baseline in Social Phobia Scale + Social Interaction Anxiety Scale4 months

Self-rated measurements of social anxiety/phobia.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Psychology, Umeå University

🇸🇪

Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden

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