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COMPUTER BASED EXPOSURE THERAPY FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY
Phone: (404) 634-3400
Email: ANDERSON@VIRTUALLYBETTER.COM
Phone: (404) 634-3400
Email: GRAAP@VIRTUALLYBETTER.COM
This study will develop and test the feasibility of using virtual reality technology as a part of a computer-based exposure (CBE) self-help program to address public speaking fears. Public
speaking anxiety is the most common fear among individuals, affecting up to 57
percent of the general population. Although cognitive-behavioral therapy is an
effective treatment for social anxiety, many individuals do not seek treatment.
Self-help programs are one popular alternative to psychiatric treatment.
Primary goals of Phase I include are to develop a virtual environment for
public speaking anxiety that can be used as a part of a CBE self-help program
and to determine the effectiveness of CBE as compared to pre-treatment
baseline. Ten participants who meet criteria for social phobia with a prominent
fear of public speaking will be assessed using standardized measures prior to
and following CBE and again at three-month follow-up. Phase II will test the
relative efficacy of CBE and a cognitive-behavioral self-help manual for social
anxiety versus a waitlist. The long-term objectives include the development of
an effective and affordable self-help program utilizing virtual reality,
leading to direct commercial access for anxiety sufferers to help them help
themselves.
* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *