Brain Correlates of Self-Focused Processing
Social PhobiaBody Dysmorphic DisorderThe purpose of this study is to determine whether neuroimaging-based markers of maladaptive self-focused processing are better predictors of treatment response to cognitive-behavioral therapy than behavioral markers.
Augmentation of Exposure Therapy for High Levels of Social Anxiety Using Post-exposure Naps
Social Anxiety DisorderSleep LaboratoryInvestigators will examine whether post-exposure naps can be used to strengthen therapeutic extinction memories formed during exposure therapy for extreme social anxiety. Thirty-two individuals with high levels of social anxiety, evidenced by scores of 60 or greater on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, by self-report during a clinical interview and by demonstrated enhanced psychophysiological reactivity when imagining a socially stressful scenario, will be enrolled as one of four participants in one of eight successive offerings of a validated 5-session exposure-based group treatment for extreme social anxiety. The third and fourth sessions conclude with each participant delivering a speech on a topic individually chosen to elicit significant social anxiety. Following these sessions, participants will go to the sleep laboratory where two will be given a 2-hour sleep opportunity with polysomnographic (PSG) monitoring and two will be similarly instrumented but undergo 2 hours of monitored quiet wakefulness. Before and after treatment, participants will be individually assessed for social anxiety symptoms using standardized self-report instruments and a Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) modified for continuous psychophysiological monitoring. Ambulatory monitoring of home sleep will also be obtained using actigraphy and sleep diaries. The investigators hypothesize that, post treatment, those individuals who napped will show greater questionnaire-based clinical improvement as well as lesser psychophysiological reactivity during the modified TSST compared to those who remained quietly awake. The investigators further hypothesize that characteristics of sleep quality and architecture during naps, specifically durations of total sleep, REM and slow-wave sleep, as well as REM continuity, will predict greater clinical improvement and lesser psychophysiological reactivity to the TSST in those who napped following their third and fourth therapy sessions. Positive results will provide the first proof-of-principle for sleep augmentation of exposure therapy for clinically significant extreme social anxiety.
Augmentation Study of A Computerized Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety DisorderThe purpose of this study is to determine whether briefly reactivating a fear memory 10 minutes prior to administering a social anxiety treatment will enhance the durability of treatment effects.
Computer-Based Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety DisorderThe present study is an open trial that seeks to examine the feasibility, acceptability, mechanism, and efficacy of a recently developed computer-based therapy in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Exposure-Focused Family-Based CBT for Youth With ASD and Comorbid Anxiety
AutismAsperger's Syndrome6 moreAutism spectrum disorders affect as many as 1 out of 88 children and are related to significant impairment in social, adaptive, and school functioning. Co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, are common and may cause substantial distress and impairment beyond that caused by the autism diagnosis. Accordingly, we are proposing a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy relative to treatment as usual (TAU) in 50 youth ages 6-12 with autism spectrum disorders and comorbid anxiety.
Internet Treatment for Social Phobia in Romania
PhobiaSocialThe main aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an Internet-delivered intervention for social phobia by comparing it to a waitlist control group. The second aim of the study is to track the potential changes in participants' thinking patterns. Because this is among the first guided Internet-delivered interventions conducted in Romania, the treatment credibility will also be investigated. Finally, the predictive power of anxiety sensitivity for both SAD symptoms and the treatment effectiveness will be investigated.
Computer- Assisted Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Anxiety Disorders in Children With Autism...
AutismAsperger's Syndrome4 moreThis study will examine the efficacy of a computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) program for children with anxiety and autism spectrum disorders.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Anxiety Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders...
AutismAsperger's Syndrome4 moreAutism spectrum disorders affect as many as 1 out of 150 children and are related to significant impairment in social, adaptive, and school functioning. Co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, are common and may cause substantial distress and impairment beyond that caused by the autism diagnosis. Although effective interventions have been developed for typically developing youth with anxiety disorders, this approach needs to be adapted for children with autism. Accordingly, we are proposing a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of CBT relative to treatment as usual (TAU) in 46 youth ages 7-11 with autism spectrum disorders and comorbid anxiety disorder(s).
An Open Label, Double-blind Discontinuation Study of Quetiapine Extended Release(XR)
Social Anxiety DisorderPurpose of Study: To examine 1) the short and long-term effectiveness and tolerability of quetiapine (extended release) XR for the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD); and 2) continuation effects of quetiapine XR in preventing SAD relapse.
Interpretation Modification Program for Social Phobia
Social Anxiety DisorderSocial PhobiaGeneralized Social Phobia is characterized by severe social anxiety that leads to functional impairment (Schneider et al., 1992). Despite its high prevalence, many individuals do not receive treatment or are unresponsive to current therapies. Thus there is a clear need to continue to develop highly effective and efficient treatments for social phobia. This three year project aims to test a computerized treatment for social phobia in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to modify interpretation biases that may maintain anxiety.