Comparing two therapies for veterans with social anxiety disorder
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy to Disorder-Specific Psychotherapy in the Recovery of Veterans With Social Anxiety Disorder and Comorbid PTSD Symptomatology
This study is testing whether a new therapy for social anxiety can help veterans feel better compared to the usual therapy they receive.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 264 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05858346 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) compared to traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specifically for veterans suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research employs a randomized controlled trial design, assessing psychiatric symptoms and quality of life at multiple time points, including pre-treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up. Veterans will be recruited from various mental health programs within the Charleston VA Health Care System, and their participation will involve a thorough intake process to ensure eligibility. The study aims to improve psychological well-being and social reintegration for participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans registered at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Health Care System who meet the criteria for social anxiety disorder and have significant PTSD symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with recent psychiatric hospitalizations, severe medical conditions, or primary diagnoses of psychotic disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders, or bipolar disorder may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more efficient and accessible treatment option for veterans with social anxiety disorder and PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using transdiagnostic approaches for treating anxiety disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be Veterans and registered at Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Health Care System * Participants must be clearly competent to provide informed consent for research participation * Participants must meet DSM-5 criteria for social anxiety disorder * Participants must have clinically significant symptoms of comorbid posttraumatic stress Exclusion Criteria: * recent history (\< 2 months) of psychiatric hospitalization or a suicide attempt as documented in their medical record, * acute, severe illness or medical condition that likely will interfere with study procedures as documented in their medical record * recent start of new psychiatric medication(s) (\< 4 weeks), * primary diagnosis of a condition associated with psychotic symptoms, personality disorder, substance use disorder, or bipolar disorder.
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel F Gros, PhD MA BS — Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
- Study coordinator: Daniel F Gros, PhD MA BS
- Email: daniel.gros@va.gov
- Phone: (843) 789-6225
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.