Actively Recruiting
CvC-SAD (Clinician vs Coach)Self-help Versions in a RCT
Led by Chinese University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2026-02-18
110
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
191 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Background: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a common mental problem, where people experience severe and disabling anxiety about social situations and interactions. It is highly prevalent world-wide and in Hong Kong, causing significant suffering/distress. While evidence-based interventions exist, e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), there will be not enough trained therapists to meet the treatment demand so that the majority of the SAD patients receive no treatment. Internet-based therapies may offer a solution, given that they deliver treatment more cost-efficiently by requiring lesser therapist time so that more patients can be treated with the same therapist resources. One UK internet-based CBT protocol for SAD, iCBT(C\&W), shows high efficacy and efficiency in initial UK and Hong Kong trials with Englishspeaking patients. Objectives: 1. To develop and confirm the efficacy of a Chinese-language version of iCBT(C\&W), administered by clinical psychologists in standard therapist-guided format. 2. To develop an even more cost-efficient new self-help format with some minimal 'coaching' performed by trained psychology bachelor-level graduates - its efficacy expected as 'noninferior' to that of the therapist-guided format. Overall design: Three-arm parallel group randomised controlled noninferiority trial: Standard therapist-guided iCT-SAD vs. Guided self-help iCT-SAD vs. Waitlist Method: The iCBT(C\&W) protocol will be translated into Chinese. Approximately 110 Chinese adults with SAD will be recruited in Hong Kong and randomised into one of two treatment conditions, therapist-guided versus self-help. The treatment lasts 14 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (self-report version).
CONDITIONS
Official Title
CvC-SAD (Clinician vs Coach)Self-help Versions in a RCT
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Meets DSM-5 criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder (generalised subtype, not performance only)
- Considers social anxiety disorder their main problem
- Age 18 years or older
- No current psychotropic medication, or stable dose for at least two months with no improvement, and willing to remain at this dose during the trial
- Agrees not to start any other treatments during the trial
- Resident of Hong Kong
- Proficient in written traditional Chinese and spoken Cantonese
- Has internet access from home
You will not qualify if you...
- Current or past psychosis, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder
- Active suicidality
- Moderate or severe alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder (based on DSM-5)
- Previous cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder (at least 5 sessions including exposure), including internet-CBT
- Presence of another current emotional problem that is the main concern requiring priority treatment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Patrick Leung, Prof.
CONTACT
C
Candace Ng
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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