Treatment of social phobia: randomised trial of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy with telephone support.
BACKGROUND
Although effective therapies for social phobia exist, many individuals refrain from seeking treatment owing to the embarrassment associated with help-seeking. Internet-based cognitive-behavioural self-help can be an alternative, but adherence is a problem.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a 9-week programme of internet-based therapy designed to increase treatment adherence by the addition of short weekly telephone calls, nine in all, with a total duration of 95 min.


METHODS
In a randomised controlled trial the effects of internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy in the treatment group (n=29) were compared with a waiting-list control group (n=28).


RESULTS
Compared with the control group the treated participants experienced greater reductions on measures of general and social anxiety, avoidance and depression. Adherence to treatment was high, with 93% finishing the complete treatment package. One year later all improvements were maintained.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence to support the use of internet-based treatment supplemented by short, weekly telephone calls.
Carlbring
Per
P
Linköping University, Department of Behavioural Sciences, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden. per.carlbring@ibv.liu.se
Gunnarsdóttir
Magdalena
M
Hedensjö
Linda
L
Andersson
Gerhard
G
Ekselius
Lisa
L
Furmark
Tomas
T
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D035061:Control Groups; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D020377:Self Efficacy; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*