A researcher with the University of Regina is hoping to prove that an Internet-based form of therapy can help people who are afflicted with Social Anxiety Disorder, or the fear and anxiety of being around other people.
A researcher with the University of Regina is hoping to prove that an Internet-based form of therapy can help people who are afflicted with Social Anxiety Disorder, or the fear and anxiety of being around other people.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) causes between seven and 13 per cent of the population to experience intense and persistent anxiety during, before, and after social interactions. People with SAD recognize their fear is excessive, but are often unable to get help because it almost always involves interacting with other people - the very thing they fear.
SAD is typically chronic, lasting for 10 years or more, impacting work, school, and recreation. Many people with SAD also suffer severe depression and more than one in 10 attempt suicide. Current theories suggest that automatic or "subconscious" differences in thinking are an important component of SAD.
Technology allows us to measure those differences, and evidence from a recent pilot study suggests those differences can be changed at the subconscious level. The initial study found evidence that changing those differences can result in fewer SAD symptoms and an increase in quality of life. Thus far, facilitating such changes as a treatment option has still involved people with SAD going to a clinic and interacting with people - something that may prevent a great many from receiving help; however, recent advances in web technology offer a possible solution that can be delivered remotely across the Internet.
Dr. Nick Carleton, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Regina, is attempting to validate the initial investigation and be the first to test the effectiveness of administering the treatment remotely.
At present, participation in this potential treatment is open to residents across Saskatchewan. Participation requires completion of 10 treatment sessions over the Internet, which simply involve watching a computer screen, responding to words on the screen by pressing buttons, and completing questionnaires.
Those who are interested in participating can contact the Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Lab at the U of R, by e-mailing to anxiety.lab@uregina.ca. Those interested in participating must first have a 30-minute phone conversation with one of the researchers to determine their eligibility. If they are eligible, they will be sent links through e-mail. People can also find additional information through their website at www.aibl.ca.
If successful, the current research will provide evidence for an effective and inexpensive treatment avenue for the millions of Canadians who suffer alone and in silence from this disabling but treatable disorder. This treatment has the potential to circumvent the anxiety caused by interpersonal therapy for those with social anxiety, while also transgressing geographical barriers associated with traditional therapy.
