The Efficacy of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) has shown promise as an intervention for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), addressing interpersonal difficulties and social skills deficits that contribute to anxiety in social situations. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of IPT in reducing social anxiety symptoms and improving overall functioning in individuals with SAD. Through an extensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of IPT compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, medication, other psychotherapies) in targeting symptoms of SAD, including fear of social evaluation, avoidance behavior, and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist experience, treatment format (individual vs. group), and participant characteristics (e.g., age, symptom severity), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of IPT for SAD.
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References
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