Evaluating Attention Bias Modification Compared to Placebo Training for Adults with Social Anxiety Disorder to Reduce Symptoms

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a computerized attention-training method called attention bias modification ABM to see if it can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder SAD in adults. The study also explores whether improvements in symptoms are due to changes in how attention is processed or to other factors like placebo effects and expectations. Social Anxiety Disorder involves a persistent fear of social situations and negative judgment, often linked to focusing on threatening social cues such as angry faces. Participants diagnosed with SAD will be randomly assigned to one of three groups active ABM training, placebo training, or a wait-list control group. The active ABM involves eight computerized sessions over four weeks where attention is trained away from threatening faces. The placebo group completes similar sessions without emotional or attentional training elements. The wait-list group undergoes assessments without intervention. The study is designed to clarify the specific effects of ABM compared to nonspecific factors. During the study, participants will complete clinical interviews, questionnaires, and computerized tasks before and after the intervention to assess social anxiety symptoms and attention biases. Eye-tracking and reaction-time measures will evaluate changes in attentional processing. Treatment expectancy and credibility will also be recorded. The main outcome is the change in social anxiety symptoms over about six weeks. Additional measures include changes in anxiety, depressive symptoms, and attention variability, with follow-up assessments approximately two weeks after treatment ends.

Efficacy of Attention Bias Modification vs. Placebo for Social Anxiety Disorder