Treatment for social anxiety in adolescents using cognitive therapy
School-based Treatment of Social Anxiety: A Randomized and Controlled Study Using Developmentally Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
NA · Tampere University · NCT06489639
This study is testing if a new 10-session therapy for social anxiety can help teenagers feel better compared to regular counseling.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 156 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tampere University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Tampere, Pirkanmaa) |
| Trial ID | NCT06489639 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a brief, 10-session Developmentally Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (DOCT-SAD) against standard counseling (SC) for adolescents aged 12 to 17 diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Participants will be recruited from public secondary and vocational schools in the Tampere area of Finland, where trained school psychologists will deliver the DOCT-SAD intervention. The study will assess whether DOCT-SAD can better alleviate symptoms of social anxiety and lead to diagnostic remission compared to SC provided by non-method-trained professionals. A total of 156 students will be involved in this randomized controlled trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 17 with a primary diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder as per DSM-5 criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with intellectual deficits, autism spectrum disorders, or other severe mental health issues requiring immediate treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the mental health and social functioning of adolescents suffering from social anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for cognitive therapy approaches in treating social anxiety, suggesting potential success for this intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * age 13-17 years * diagnosis of DSM-5 SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder) * SAD is the primary mental health disorder * motivation of the adolescent and parent to attend DOCT-SAD / SC as described in the study protocol * good command of the Finnish language. Exclusion criteria: * intellectual deficit * presence of primary autism spectrum disorder * marked psychotic symptoms or psyhotic disorder * severe eating disorder, depression or primary other anxiety disorder requiring acute treatment which need to be prioritized above treatment of social anxiety * acute suicidality or suicide risk * substance use or substance use disorder requiring child protection measures * presence of contextual/environmental risk factors in the participants surroundings which require child protection measures
Where this trial is running
Tampere, Pirkanmaa
- Tampere University — Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Klaus Ranta, MD, PhD
- Email: klaus.ranta@tuni.fi
- Phone: +358 504418286
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.
Conditions: Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Adolescent - Emotional Problem, social anxiety, adolescents, cognitive behavioural therapy