Actively Recruiting
Comparison of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy and Sertraline Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents and Young Adults
Led by Emine Kanmaz · Updated on 2025-09-25
56
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
E
Emine Kanmaz
Lead Sponsor
K
Kocaeli University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to compare two treatment methods for adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 17 years with social anxiety disorder (SAD). It evaluates virtual reality exposure therapy against sertraline, a commonly prescribed medication, to see which approach better reduces anxiety symptoms and improves daily functioning. The study also assesses how acceptable and safe these treatments are for participants. Conducted at Kocaeli University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the study includes 56 participants. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups based on their treatment preference. One group will undergo virtual reality exposure therapy using a VR headset to simulate social situations like public speaking and group interactions in a controlled environment. The other group will receive sertraline medication, with dosage guided by clinical standards and physician judgment. The study includes treatment sessions and medication follow-ups over a 12-week period. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start, week 6, and week 12 using standardized scales to measure changes in social anxiety symptoms, social phobia symptoms, and overall anxiety. Researchers will monitor treatment acceptability and safety throughout the trial. The total involvement spans 12 weeks, with ongoing clinical observations and symptom evaluations to understand treatment effects and participant experiences.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Comparison of the Effectiveness Level of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy With Sertraline Treatment in Social Anxiety Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be between 12 and 17 years of age
- Have a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Have normal intelligence based on clinical observation
- Applied to Kocaeli University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic
- For the research arm: Have refused medication recommended for SAD
- For the research arm: Not currently receiving medical treatment for SAD
- For the control arm: Accept sertraline treatment for SAD
- Have received written consent to participate from the participant and/or authorized first-degree relatives
- Volunteered to participate in the study through an invitation poster presentation
You will not qualify if you...
- History of substance use disorder
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
- Cognitive disability
- Neurological disorder (research arm only)
- Balance disorder (research arm only)
- Received SSRI treatment for SAD in the last 6 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants receive either Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy sessions or Sertraline treatment to reduce social anxiety symptoms.
Weekly visits for up to 12 weeks
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants are assessed for changes in social anxiety, social phobia, and anxiety symptoms at weeks 6 and 12.
2 visits (in-person) at Week 6 and Week 12
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Kocaeli University Hospital - Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Kocaeli, Turkey (Türkiye), 41000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Emine Kayış, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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