Comparing TBT to Disorder-Specific Psychotherapy in Veterans With Social Anxiety Disorder

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · May 10, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new type of therapy called Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) to see how well it works for Veterans suffering from social anxiety disorder, particularly those who also experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress. TBT is designed to treat multiple related issues within one program, which might make it easier to provide care compared to traditional methods that focus on just one problem at a time. The researchers will measure the participants' symptoms and overall well-being before, during, and after treatment, as well as six months later, to understand how effective TBT is compared to existing therapies.

To participate in this study, Veterans must be registered at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Health Care System and meet specific criteria, including having social anxiety disorder and significant posttraumatic stress symptoms. Participants will go through assessments at different points during the trial and will be expected to provide informed consent to take part in the research. It's important to note that individuals with certain recent psychiatric issues or severe medical conditions may not be eligible. This trial aims to find a more accessible and effective treatment option for Veterans dealing with these challenging mental health conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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.