RecruitingPhase 4NCT07192367

Comparison of the Effectiveness Level of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy With Sertraline Treatment in Social Anxiety Disorder

Sponsor

Emine Kanmaz

Enrollment

56 participants

Start Date

Nov 15, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Social Anxiety Disorder

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

Min Age: 12 YearsMax Age: 17 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This trial compares two treatments for social anxiety disorder (SAD) in teenagers: virtual reality exposure therapy (where patients practice anxiety-provoking situations in a safe digital environment) versus sertraline (a common antidepressant medication). **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 12 and 17 years old - You have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder - You are seen at Kocaeli University's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic - You have normal intelligence based on clinical assessment - You and/or your parent or guardian are willing to participate and have provided written consent - For the research arm: you have declined medication treatment for SAD and are not currently taking any medication for it **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are outside the 12–17 age range - You do not have a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder - You are currently receiving medication treatment for SAD (for the non-medication arm) Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALVirtual 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.

DRUGSertraline (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.