title: Meta-analysis of technology-assisted interventions for social anxiety disorder.
abstract: This meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of technology-assisted interventions for individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). A systematic literature search in the databases Medline, PsychInfo, and Web of Science revealed 37 randomized controlled trials (2991 participants) that were grouped into internet delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT; 21 trials), virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET; 3 trials), and cognitive bias modification (CBM; 13 trials). Patients undergoing ICBT and VRET showed significantly less SAD symptoms at postassessment than passive control conditions (g=0.84 and 0.82, respectively). Compared to active control conditions, ICBT had a small advantage (g=0.38) and VRET showed comparable effects (p>0.05). CBM was not more effective than passive control conditions, except when delivered in the laboratory (g=0.35). While the efficacy of CBM was limited, substantial evidence for ICBT and preliminary evidence for VRET suggests that both can effectively reduce SAD symptoms indicating the potential of technology-assisted interventions for SAD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129 B, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129 B, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: i.l.kampmann@uva.nl.
authors.forename: Isabel L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Kampmann
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129 B, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study, Meijboomlaan 1, 2242 PR Wassenaar, The Netherlands. Electronic address: p.m.g.emmelkamp@uva.nl.
authors.forename: Paul M G
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Emmelkamp
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129 B, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129 B, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: n.morina@uva.nl.
authors.forename: Nexhmedin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Morina
mesh_terms: D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D000072861:Phobia, Social / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D063367:Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
keywords: Cognitive bias modification; Internet cognitive behavior therapy; Social anxiety disorder; Virtual reality exposure