Internet-based self-help with therapist feedback and in vivo group exposure for social phobia: a randomized controlled trial.
Sixty-four individuals with social phobia (social anxiety disorder) were assigned to a multimodal cognitive-behavioral treatment package or to a waiting list control group. Treatment consisted of a 9-week, Internet-delivered, self-help program that was combined with 2 group exposure sessions in real life and minimal therapist contact via e-mail. Results were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis, including all randomized participants. From pre- to posttest, treated participants in contrast to controls showed significant improvement on most measured dimensions (social anxiety scales, general anxiety and depression levels, quality of life). The overall within- and between-groups effect sizes were Cohen's d = 0.87 and 0.70, respectively. Treatment gains were maintained at 1-year follow-up. The results from this study support the continued use and development of Internet-distributed, self-help programs for people diagnosed with social phobia.
Andersson
Gerhard
G
Department of Behavioural Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. gerhard.andersson@ibv.liu.se
Carlbring
Per
P
Holmström
Annelie
A
Sparthan
Elisabeth
E
Furmark
Tomas
T
Nilsson-Ihrfelt
Elisabeth
E
Buhrman
Monica
M
Ekselius
Lisa
L
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups