Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Versus Exposure in Vivo for Social Phobia

VU University of Amsterdam70 enrolled

Overview

The current study aims at comparing the efficacy of exposure in vivo and exposure via virtual reality for social anxiety disorder. 70 patients with social anxiety disorder will be randomized to either one of the active conditions or to a waiting-list condition. Participants on the waiting-list will be offered either exposure in vivo of in virtual reality after a waiting period of five weeks. Levels of psychopathology will be assessed at pre- and post-treatment as well as three and 12 months after treatment.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Social Anxiety Disorder Social Phobia

Interventions

Exposure in vivoBEHAVIORAL

Virtual Reality Exposure TherapyBEHAVIORAL

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 - 65 years old * a primary diagnosis of social anxiety disorder as measured with the SCID * fluency in Dutch. Exclusion Criteria: * psychotic episodes in the past, suicidal intentions or substance dependence. * behavior therapy in the preceding one year.

Locations (1)

University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Psychology

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from baseline: Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale-Self report

Change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks), 3 months follow-up and 12 months follow-up.

Time frame: Pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks), three months follow-up, and 12 months follow-up.

Change from baseline: Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale

Change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks), 3 months follow-up and 12 months follow-up.

Time frame: Pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks), three months follow-up, and 12 months follow-up.

Secondary Outcomes

Change from baseline: Behavioral Assessment Task (BAT), Public Speaking Performance Scale

The BAT consists of a videotaped 5 minute impromptu speech in front of two confederates. The Public Speaking Performance Scale will be used to evaluate the performance during the speech, both by patients and indipendent raters. Change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks) will be examined.

Time frame: Pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks)

Change from baseline: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (Social Phobia Module)

Change in diagnosis of Social Phobia from pre-treatment to three months follow-up.

Time frame: Pre-treatment to three months follow-up.

Change from baseline: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale

Change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks), 3 months follow-up and 12 months follow-up.

Time frame: Pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks), three months follow-up, 12 months follow-up.

Change from baseline: Personality Disorder Belief Questionnaire

Change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (5 weeks), 3 months follow-up and 12 months follow-up.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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