Virtual Reality Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Among Youths in Hong Kong

NCT06876779 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: SATECH
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a VR-based CBT intervention for social anxiety-driven depression among Hong Kong youth (ages 15-24). Given the limitations of traditional CBT in addressing deep-seated fears, this study explores a more engaging and scalable alternative. Ninety participants with depressive symptoms and social difficulties will undergo six 60-minute VR sessions based on Clark and Wells' cognitive model of social phobia, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and three-month follow-up using the Social Phobia Inventory and PHQ-9. The study investigates whether VR intervention reduces social anxiety-driven depression and assesses its cost-effectiveness. Expected outcomes include symptom reduction, sustained benefits at follow-up, and evidence for VR as an innovative, scalable mental health intervention, informing clinical practice, research, and policy in Hong Kong and beyond.

Conditions

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD); Social Phobia

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)

  SPIN is a brief self-report tool consisting of 17 items that assess fear, avoidance, and physiological discomfort in social situations. The scale ranges from 0 to 68, with higher scores indicating worse outcomes.

  baseline, one-month (post-treatment), and three-month follow-up

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Patient Health Questionnaire-9

  baseline, one-month (post-treatment), and three-month follow-up

Study Arms (2)

VR arm

EXPERIMENTAL

The intervention comprises six sessions of 60 minutes each. There are six VR scenarios such as a café, MTR, school scene, and classroom. The difficulty levels of these scenarios are determined by several factors: (1) the density and proximity of individuals present, as observed in a café or MTR setting, (2) the presence of familiar individuals, such as acquaintances or classmates who may be encountered and greeted in a school environment, and (3) the level of interaction required, such as engaging in a group discussion within a classroom. Participants have the flexibility to choose a different scenario for each session or repeat a previously selected one.

Behavioral: VR intervention

Treat-as-usual

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in the control group will withhold access to the intervention until after the 3-month follow-up assessment. To prevent confounding effects from relevant concomitant care and interventions, participants will be required to refrain from receiving any other treatments or interventions specifically targeting social phobia during the study period.

Interventions

VR intervention BEHAVIORAL

The intervention comprises six sessions of 60 minutes each. There are six VR scenarios such as a café, MTR, school scene, and classroom. The difficulty levels of these scenarios are determined by several factors: (1) the density and proximity of individuals present, as observed in a café or MTR setting, (2) the presence of familiar individuals, such as acquaintances or classmates who may be encountered and greeted in a school environment, and (3) the level of interaction required, such as engaging in a group discussion within a classroom. Participants have the flexibility to choose a different scenario for each session or repeat a previously selected one.

VR arm

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 15 Years - 24 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• youths aged between 15 and 24 years old; and
• scoring above 24 on the Social Phobia Inventory.

You may not qualify if:

• unable to attempt a baseline assessment (e.g., due to being unpermitted to leave a psychiatric ward);
• photosensitive epilepsy;
• significant visual, auditory, or balance impairment;
• currently receiving another intensive psychological intervention; and
• currently holding active suicidal plans

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hong Kong Shue Yan University: lead

Related Publications (1)

• Freeman D, Lister R, Waite F, Galal U, Yu LM, Lambe S, Beckley A, Bold E, Jenner L, Diamond R, Kirkham M, Twivy E, Causier C, Carr L, Saidel S, Day R, Beacco A, Rovira A, Ivins A, Nah R, Slater M, Clark DM, Rosebrock L. Automated virtual reality cognitive therapy versus virtual reality mental relaxation therapy for the treatment of persistent persecutory delusions in patients with psychosis (THRIVE): a parallel-group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial in England with mediation analyses. Lancet Psychiatry. 2023 Nov;10(11):836-847. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00257-2. Epub 2023 Sep 21.

  PMID: 37742702 BACKGROUND

Related Links

• Related Info

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Phobia, Social

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Phobic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Yizhou WANG, Assistant Professor, PhD

  HKSYU

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Yizhou WANG, Assistant Professor

CONTACT

852+66761756; ywang@hksyu.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 14, 2025
• First Posted: March 14, 2025
• Study Start: November 1, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 30, 2026
• Last Updated: September 15, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share