A Specific Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adolescents with Social Anxiety Disorder: Three-armed Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

The present study aims to develop a specific cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adolescents based on previous researches’ suggestions. An ICBT was developed with two generic and specific approaches. The sample included 45 adolescents aged 14 to 18 with social anxiety disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: specific, generic, and waiting list. All the outcome measures were conducted in four stages: pre-test, mid-test, post-test, and 3 months follow-up. The results showed a significant improvement in favor of ICBT with a specific approach on the score of the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents SASA (p ≤ 0.01) and its two subscales including Anxiety and Fear of Negative Evaluation AFNE (p ≤ 0.01) and Tension and Inhibition in Social Interaction TISC (p ≤ 0.001). The specific ICBT developed in this study was an effective intervention for adolescents with SAD. The changes were also maintained at a 3-month follow-up.