Self-guided virtual reality therapy for social anxiety disorder: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Digital Therapeutics
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent mental health condition causing significant distress.
• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a primary treatment, but access is limited by long waiting lists.
• Digital therapeutic applications, including virtual reality (VR), offer potential solutions to improve accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of ultra-short-time therapy using self-guided digital therapeutics with VR components in reducing SAD severity.
• To assess the potential of digital therapeutics to decrease waiting times for SAD patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 40 SAD patients.
• Intervention group received a self-guided digital therapeutic application with VR-based exposure therapy.
• Control group received a standard treatment; both involved four therapeutic appointments.
• SAD severity was measured post-appointment and at a 6-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• The study is ongoing, with primary outcomes focused on changes in SAD severity from baseline to post-assessment.
• Secondary outcomes will include 6-week follow-up assessments to evaluate sustained effects.

Conclusions:

• Self-guided digital therapeutics combined with VR may reduce SAD waiting times and alleviate healthcare system burden.
• Findings may guide psychotherapists on utilizing VR-based digital therapeutics for SAD and inform future research.