Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Versus Exposure in Vivo for Social Phobia

The current study aims at comparing the efficacy of exposure in vivo and exposure via virtual reality for social anxiety disorder. 70 patients with social anxiety disorder will be randomized to either one of the active conditions or to a waiting-list condition. Participants on the waiting-list will be offered either exposure in vivo of in virtual reality after a waiting period of five weeks. Levels of psychopathology will be assessed at pre- and post-treatment as well as three and 12 months after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 - 65 years old
• a primary diagnosis of social anxiety disorder as measured with the SCID
• fluency in Dutch.

Exclusion Criteria:

• psychotic episodes in the past, suicidal intentions or substance dependence.
• behavior therapy in the preceding one year.