A disorder-specific group cognitive behavior therapy for social anxiety disorder in adolescents: study protocol for a randomized controlled study

Abstract

BackgroundSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common disorder in adolescence associated with extensive distress and long-term impairment. Generic cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) programs for anxiety disorders have shown poorer outcomes for adolescents with SAD than for other anxiety disorders.AimThe aim of the present study is to investigate the efficacy of a disorder-specific group cognitive behavior therapy (G-CBT) program for youth SAD, the Cool Kids Anxiety Program - Social Enhanced (CK-E), developed at Macquarie University, Sidney, Australia.MethodsThe study is a randomized controlled trial comparing CK-E to a generic G-CBT program for anxiety disorders. Approximately 96 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years are included with data points at pre- and post-treatment, and at 3 months and 1 year follow-ups.DiscussionThe current study will provide more information about the efficacy of diagnosis-specific G-CBT treatment for youth SAD.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03986827. Registered on 14 June 2019.

The Effectiveness of Giving Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Therapy on Adolescents' Social Anxiety Levels

“…Social anxiety is the third biggest mental problem after drug use and depression, it is estimated that the prevalence in the general population is around 3% -13% in various countries. (Yuniardi, 2019) Early adolescents (13-18 years) experience many social anxiety disorders, where the number of female sufferers is higher than male adolescents (Lassen et al, 2019;(Jefferies & Ungar, 2020). The high number of adolescents who experience social anxiety requires immediate treatment so that adolescent social anxiety does not continue which can cause negative effects on their future lives such as the risk of developing chronic depression in adulthood, suicidal ideation, alcohol use, drug abuse, and anxiety disorders.…”

Internet‐delivered therapist‐assisted cognitive therapy for adolescent social anxiety disorder (OSCA): a randomised controlled trial addressing preliminary efficacy and mechanisms of action

“…However, a meta‐analysis demonstrated that youth with SAD were almost 50% less likely to remit from their primary diagnosis after this type of treatment compared to those with other anxiety disorders (Evans, Clark, & Leigh, 2021 ). These findings have led to renewed efforts to develop SAD‐specific interventions (Lassen, Hougaard, Arendt, & Thastum, 2019 ). In this context, the notably large effect sizes associated with certain treatments for adult SAD are of interest.…”