Internet based education for social phobia: An initial randomized controlled study

INTERVENTION: A randomized trial of 6 lessons of Internet based education for people who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria for social phobia. One lesson will be completed every 7 to 10 days (each lesson will involve homework, an online discussion forum assignment, email contact with clinicians, and an online reading assignment, requiring up to 4 hours/week) vs wait‐list control. Study questionnaires will be administered at application, beginning of the first lesson, 1‐week poststudy, and 6 months follow‐up. The educational materials are based on the Clinical Management and Treatment Education (CLIMATE) Social Phobia Course, which applies cognitive behavioural techniques. Once Education Group participants have completed the 6 lessons the Wait‐List group participants will begin the lessons. CONDITION: Social phobia (an anxiety disorder) PRIMARY OUTCOME: Education Questionnaire (assessing knowledge about social phobia ‐ symptoms, and treatment) Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7‐Item Scale (GAD‐7) Kessler‐10 (K‐10) Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) Social Interaction Anxiety Scale Social Phobia Scale World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO‐DAS‐II) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Change between scores INCLUSION CRITERIA: Meet DSM‐IV criteria for social phobia ‐ Internet access + printer access. ‐ Australian citizen‐ Males and females‐ Active pulse.