The aim of this pilot is to evaluate the feasibility of a web-based self-help course for social anxiety in adolescents. We also hope to get an indication of the effectiveness of the course. Are their social anxiety symptoms diminished after…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Anxiety disorders and symptoms
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The primary outcome measure is the feasibility of this intervention. This will
be determined by, for example, how many adolescents show interest in the course
and eventually sign up for it. The reasons for drop-out, and predictors for
finishing the course will be registered. The level of client satisfaction about
the course and the coaching will also give an indication of the feasibility and
acceptability of the prevention program. Another primary outcome measure will
be the effect of the prevention program, measured by the change in social
anxiety symptoms on the SAS-A.
Secondary outcome
Secondary outcomes include: depressive symptoms (CES-D), general anxiety
symptoms (HADS-A), quality of life (Euroqol) and working alliance (WAI) and
client satisfaction.
Background summary
Social anxiety is a very prevalent psychiatric disorder. Research indicates
that 75% of people with social anxiety had already experienced their first
episode at age 15. Untreated social anxiety can cause a negative self-image,
school drop-out, educational problems, running from home, and drug and alcohol
abuse problems. Since the onset of social anxiety is often during adolescence,
this is a good age group for prevention programs. Very little studies have
looked at the prevention of social anxiety in children and adolescents.
Internet interventions have proven to be effective in treating social anxiety.
A web-based prevention program could be a very suitable for adolescents with
social anxiety. Little human contact is required, lowering the threshold to
seek help for people with social anxiety. Furthermore, internet interventions
can probably reach more adolescents compared to traditional individual or group
treatments.
Study objective
The aim of this pilot is to evaluate the feasibility of a web-based self-help
course for social anxiety in adolescents. We also hope to get an indication of
the effectiveness of the course. Are their social anxiety symptoms diminished
after completing the course? Another aim is to evaluate if we can recruit
enough respondents for a future randomized controlled trial.
Study design
This pilot is a limited open trial design testing our web-based intervention
aimed at the prevention of social anxiety in adolescents. A one-time
recruitment campaign will be conducted by advertising on important websites and
magazines for adolescents. The included adolescents will be asked to fill out
a questionnaire prior to the start of the course (T0). Six weeks later, after
completing the course, another questionnaire will be send to them by email
(T1). The *within-study effect size* (Cohen 1988) will be used to compare the
pre and post intervention measures.
Intervention
The intervention is based on the book *Fobieën* (Phobias) by drs. de Neef and
prof. Cuijpers (co-applicant of this study). The main component of this course
is the evidence-based aspect of cognitive behavioural therapy; the exposure.
People will need to expose themselves to exactly that what they are anxious
about and normally avoid. The course consists of five weekly modules. The
participant will be required to do assignments every week. They will be
supported and assisted by psychologist over the internet (by email).
Study burden and risks
Not applicable, there are no risks involved.
van der Boechorststraat 1
1081 BT Amsterdam
NL
van der Boechorststraat 1
1081 BT Amsterdam
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
1) between 13 and 18 years old ; (2) a score of 1 standard deviation above the population mean on the *Behavioral Inhibition Scale* (BIS); (3) positive answer on the question: 'as long as I remember, I have always been shy' ; and (4) a score above the 75th percentie of the *Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents* (SAS-A)
Exclusion criteria
Score above the 90th percentile of the 'Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents* (SAS-A) and receiving treatment for social anxiety elsewhere
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL33126.029.10 |