COMPUTER BASED EXPOSURE THERAPY FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY

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.