Cognitive behaviour therapy for social anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating different treatment formats.

ObjectiveMethodResultsConclusions\nKey PointsCognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) can be delivered through several modalities, including individually-administered CBT (ICBT), group-based CBT (GCBT), and CBT delivered remotely (RCBT). We synthesised the current literature on ICBT, GCBT, and RCBT approaches in adults with SAD, and compared their relative effectiveness using a meta-analytic approach.This review included randomised controlled trials comparing a disorder specific CBT monotherapy (ICBT, GCBT, or RCBT) to a non-active control group in adults with diagnosed SAD. Eligible studies were searched through PsycINFO, Scopus, and EMBASE databases to April 2023. A total of 37 studies met the inclusion criteria (with 55 between-group comparisons; <italic>N</italic> = 3234). Between-group effect sizes were conducted using random effects models.Analyses indicated that RCBT (<italic>k</italic> = 23; <italic>g</italic> = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.74–1.06) and ICBT (<italic>k</italic> = 17; <italic>g</italic> = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.66–1.23) demonstrated large effects, while GCBT demonstrated medium effects (<italic>k</italic> = 15; <italic>g</italic> = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.49–0.94). The groups, however, did not differ significantly (Q2 = 2.17, <italic>p</italic> > .05).This study builds on the existing literature demonstrating the efficacy of these treatment approaches.<bold>What is already known about this topic:</bold> Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for adults with social anxiety disorder (SAD).CBT for SAD can be delivered using a variety of treatment approaches.Individually-administered CBT, group-based CBT and remotely-delivered CBT are the primary treatment modalities.Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for adults with social anxiety disorder (SAD).CBT for SAD can be delivered using a variety of treatment approaches.Individually-administered CBT, group-based CBT and remotely-delivered CBT are the primary treatment modalities.<bold>What this topic adds:</bold> This study compared the effectiveness of different CBT delivery methods.Individually-administered CBT and remotely delivered CBT result in large effect sizes, while group-based CBT results in medium effect sizes.Individually-administered CBT, group-based CBT and remotely-delivered CBT can be delivered with equal confidence based on client preference.This study compared the effectiveness of different CBT delivery methods.Individually-administered CBT and remotely delivered CBT result in large effect sizes, while group-based CBT results in medium effect sizes.Individually-administered CBT, group-based CBT and remotely-delivered CBT can be delivered with equal confidence based on client preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]