Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: Participants receive structured Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy sessions using a VR headset. The intervention provides simulated social situations (e.g., public speaking, group interactions) to gradually expose participants to anxiety-provoking scenarios. The sessions are guided and standardized to target symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant): Participants receive pharmacological treatment with Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for social anxiety disorder. Dosage and administration will follow clinical guidelines and physician judgment.
Study summary
This study compares two treatment approaches for adolescents and young adults with social anxiety. One group will participate in therapy sessions using a virtual reality headset, while the other group will receive sertraline, a commonly used medication for social anxiety. The goal is to see which treatment is more effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving daily functioning. The study will also look at how acceptable and safe these treatments are. A total of 56 participants will be enrolled at Kocaeli University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
12 Years
Max age
17 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* RESEARCH ARM:
1. Applied to Kocaeli University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic
2. Have normal intelligence based on clinical observation
3. Be between 12 and 17 years of age
4. Have a diagnosis of SAD
5. Have refused medication recommended for SAD
6. For SAD; are not currently receiving medical treatment
7. Have received written consent to participate in the study from them and/or their first-degree relatives authorized to make decisions about them
8. Have volunteered to participate in the study through an invitation poster presentation
CONTROL ARM:
1 Applied to Kocaeli University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic 2. Have normal intelligence based on clinical observation 3. Be between 12 and 17 years of age 4. Have a diagnosis of SAD 5. Have refused medication recommended for SAD 6. For SAD; are not currently receiving medical treatment 7. Have obtained written informed consent to participate in the study from them and/or their first-degree relatives authorized to make decisions about them 8. Have volunteered to participate in the study through an invitation poster presentation
CONTROL ARM:
1 Applied to Kocaeli University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic 2. Have normal intelligence based on clinical observation 3. Be between 12 and 17 years of age 4. Have a diagnosis of SAD 5. For SAD; Not currently receiving medical treatment 6. Volunteer 7. Written consent for participation in the study must be obtained from the patient and/or their first-degree relative authorized to make decisions about them.
8\. Accept sertraline treatment, routinely used in outpatient clinic follow-ups for SAD, and volunteer for the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
RESEARCH ARM:
1. Substance use disorder
2. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
3. Autism spectrum disorder
4. Cognitive disability
5. Neurological disorder
6. Balance disorder
7. Patients who have received SSRI treatment for SAD in the last 6 months
CONTROL ARM:
1. Substance use disorder
2. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
3. Autism spectrum disorder
4. Cognitive disability
5. Patients who have received SSRI treatment for SAD within the last 6 months -
Primary outcome measure(s)
Change in Social Anxiety Symptoms (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, LSAS) — Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12 Change from baseline in social anxiety symptoms measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). The LSAS evaluates fear and avoidance across 24 items covering social interaction and performance situations, providing total and subscale scores.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Kocaeli University Hospital - Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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