Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents With Social Anxiety Disorder

A Disorder Specific Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents

The main aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness 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.

Furthermore, the study will examine how well this program fares against generic CBT treatment.

The main aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of a disorder specific G-CBT program for youth SAD compared to a generic G-CBT program for anxiety disorders.

Reduction in anxiety symptoms is expected for both treatment conditions although we hypothesize better outcome for the enhanced treatment condition.

Approximately 96 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years will be included with data points at pre- and post-treatment, and at 3-month and 1-year follow-ups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Youth between 12 and 17 years of age.
• Social anxiety disorder as the primary disorder measured using the Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule for DSM-IV, Child and Parent Version (ADIS-IV C/P).

Exclusion Criteria:

• A diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Untreated Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Psychotic symptoms.
• Current severe self-harm or suicidal ideation.
• Current eating disorder.
• CSR>5 on depression.
• Received prior CK treatment within the last two years.