None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The overall aim of this research is to test whether brain training can be used as an adjunct to CBT in treating Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) symptoms. In this study, two forms of brain training will be compared, and both will be administered before a course of iCBT. An initial pilot study testing the methodology of this experimental study with a mixed non-clinical and clinical sample has already been completed. The experimental study will also contain individuals diagnosed with SAD and elevated levels of social anxiety.
Interventions
The Emotional Working Memory Training task (eWMT) is a dual n-back task (Schweizer et al., 2011) that requires participants to monitor visual stimuli on a screen (e.g. negative emotional faces, such as angry, sad, fearful faces) and auditory stimuli through a speaker (e.g., negative emotional words such as rape, evil) simultaneously. eWMT is designed to target mental control over emotional stimuli (du Toit et al., 2020; Schweizer, 2011). Participants completing the eWMT will complete 15 eWMT se
The Emotional Working Memory Training task (eWMT) is a dual n-back task (Schweizer et al., 2011) that requires participants to monitor visual stimuli on a screen (e.g. negative emotional faces, such as angry, sad, fearful faces) and auditory stimuli through a speaker (e.g., negative emotional words such as rape, evil) simultaneously. eWMT is designed to target mental control over emotional stimuli (du Toit et al., 2020; Schweizer, 2011). Participants completing the eWMT will complete 15 eWMT sessions (20-minutes each) over a three-week period in their own homes using their own mobile phones. Once each session of training is completed, the data from the participant's mobile phone is uploaded to a secure database, which can be downloaded by the researcher to monitor training completion and training progress. The internet based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme (iCBT) is a self-guided programme that goes by the name THIS WAY UP (TWU) and was developed by Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD, 2020). There are six modules specifically for social anxiety, which include online lessons and homework assignments (Williams et al., 2014). Participants who are to complete iCBT programme will be asked to complete the programme within 42 days and asked to complete one module per 7-day period (Williams et al., 2014). They will complete the programme in their own homes using their own electronic devices (e.g., computer). The iCBT modules cover the topics: - Social Anxiety Explained - Tackling Avoidance with Exposure - Troubleshooting Exposure - Unhelpful Thinking Styles - Thought Challenging and Social Skills - Relapse Prevention and Summary Lessons range from 15 minutes to 30 minutes, starting with the longest lesson and getting shorter over the weeks; and the readings and homework tasks range in length from 5 pages to 18 pages. The online lessons are presented in a comic book style where the stories of two characters, Jack and Kat, can be followed and they manage their social anxiety disorder. The researcher will monitor the participants progress through the iCBT course online via the clinician's account in TWU. The iCBT programme is designed to start the day after the last session of brain training. Participants in this condition with receive the eWMT and then the iCBT.
Sponsors
Simone du Toit
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Other
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Adult individuals with elevated levels of social anxiety, as determined by the screening measures of social anxiety (based on empirically based cut-off score); and who are fluent in written and spoken English.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will only be excluded if they have problems requiring immediate attention. This includes high risk of suicide, severe substance abuse or dependence, and/or florid psychosis. The use of pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy will be allowed.
Outcome results
None listed