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Treatment of social phobia: randomised trial of internet-delivered cognitive–behavioural therapy with telephone support
- Authors:
- CARLBRING Per, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(2), February 2007, pp.123-128.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Although effective therapies for social phobia exist, many individuals refrain from seeking treatment owing to the embarrassment associated with help-seeking. Internet-based cognitive–behavioural self-help can be an alternative, but adherence is a problem. The aim was to evaluate a 9-week programme of internet-based therapy designed to increase treatment adherence by the addition of short weekly telephone calls, nine in all, with a total duration of 95 min. In a randomised controlled trial the effects of internet-based cognitive–behavioural therapy in the treatment group (n=29) were compared with a waiting-list control group (n=28). Compared with the control group the treated participants experienced greater reductions on measures of general and social anxiety, avoidance and depression. Adherence to treatment was high, with 93% finishing the complete treatment package. One year later all improvements were maintained. This study provides evidence to support the use of internet-based treatment supplemented by short, weekly telephone calls.