Waitlist-Control Trial of Smartphone (App-based) CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Withdrawn

Smartphone Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized, Waitlist-control Trial

The investigators are testing the efficacy of Smartphone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD). The investigators hypothesize that participants receiving app-CBT will have greater reduction in LSAS scores than those in the waitlist condition at treatment endpoint (week 12).

The primary aims of this study are to test the efficacy of a Smartphone-based CBT treatment for adults with SAD recruited nationally. Eligible subjects (N=80) will be randomly assigned to 12 weeks of Smartphone-delivered CBT for SAD either immediately, or after a 12-week long waiting period (50-50 chance). The investigators hypothesize that Smartphone-delivered CBT for SAD will be feasible and acceptable to individuals with SAD, and that it will lead to greater reductions in SAD symptom severity compared to the passage of time (waitlist control).

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years of age
• Current diagnosis of primary DSM-5 SAD, based on MINI
• Currently living in the United States

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychotropic medication changes within 2 months prior to enrollment i. Participants taking psychotropic medication must have been on a stable dose for at least 2 months prior to enrollment and not change medication during study period
• Past participation in ≥ 4 sessions of CBT for SAD
• Current severe substance use disorder
• Lifetime bipolar disorder or psychosis
• Current severe comorbid major depression, as indicated by clinical judgment and/or a QIDS-SR total score ≥ 21 ***EDIT***
• Acute, active suicidal ideation as indicated by clinical judgment and/or a score ≥ 2 on the suicidal ideation subscale of the C-SSRS
• Concurrent psychological treatment
• Does not own a supported mobile Smartphone with a data plan
• Lack of technology literacy that would interfere with ability to engage with smartphone treatment