Treatment of social phobia: randomised trial of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy with telephone support

TLDR

Social phobia treatments exist, yet many avoid seeking help due to embarrassment, and while internet‑based CBT offers an alternative, adherence remains a challenge. The study aimed to evaluate a 9‑week internet‑based CBT program supplemented with short weekly telephone calls to enhance treatment adherence. A randomized controlled trial compared 29 participants receiving the 9‑week internet CBT with telephone support to 28 participants on a waiting‑list control group. Participants receiving the internet CBT with telephone support showed greater reductions in general and social anxiety avoidance and depression, achieved 93 % adherence, and maintained these improvements after one year, supporting the intervention’s effectiveness.

Abstract

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. Aims 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. Method 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.