Internet-delivered psychodynamic psychotherapy in the treatment of social anxiety disorder

• Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders. Effective treatments exist, but limited access and high costs causes many sufferers to remain untreated. As not all patients accept the CBTmodel of psychopathology, alternative treatments are desirable. We conducted two studies to help establish the efficacy of a psychodynamic model of guided self-help (IPDT). In the first study (N=72) participants were randomized to either ten weeks of IPDT or a waiting list control condition. Mixed-effects models revealed a significant difference at post-treatment in favor of the treatment condition on the primary outcome measure, LSAS-SR, with a large effect size. Rates of remission were comparable to recent face-to-face trials, and improvements were maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The second study was a pilot preference study where the control group in study 1 chose either IPDT (N=23) or ICBT (N=13). Both treatments led to moderate improvements. Notably, both groups suffered an exacerbation of interpersonal symptoms at 6-month follow-up. In summary, the results suggest that IPDT is effective in the treatment of social anxiety, with effect sizes in the same range as ICBT and face-to-face psychotherapy.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

internet-delivered

psychodynamic psychotherapy

social anxiety disorder

Psychology

psykologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)