Randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour group therapy (CBGT) compared to a waitlist control in the treatment of university students with social anxiety disorder

Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common mental illness that causes significant functional impairment. Individually delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective but costly intervention with limited access, and is poorly scalable to meet the need in the population. In this context, cognitive behavioural group therapy (CBGT) is a more viable option. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of CBGT as compared to a waitlist control for university students with SAD. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial consisting of an 8-week treatment of CBGT (N=15) versus a waitlist control (N=15) was conducted in university students meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 criteria for SAD. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale –Self Rated Sinhala version (LSAS-SR) was administered at screening, baseline, four weeks and eight weeks of the trial. Manualized and Culturally adopted CBGT was delivered in Sinhala language, to the intervention group by a licensed clinical psychologist. Results: The mean age of the study population was 22 (SD=1.345) and baseline mean LSAS-SR score was 72.33 in the experimental arm and 69.03 in the wait list control. Repeated measures analysis revealed that the mean total score of the LSAS-SR in the CBGT arm was significantly lower (13.262; p<0.001) post-intervention compared to the waitlist group after controlling for age and gender. Conclusion: Culturally adapted CBGT in Sinhala for SAD is effective in ameliorating social anxiety symptoms among university students.