Social Anxiety Treatment Outcome Predictors (STOP) Study
The purpose of the Social Anxiety Treatment Outcome Predictors (STOP) Study is to investigate if brain measurements can be used to determine who will benefit from cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for social anxiety disorder.
If we can answer this question, we hope to be able to quickly identify the right kind of treatment for each individual experiencing social anxiety, with the ultimate goals of reducing emotional suffering and improving wellbeing. This study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and a registered clinical trial.
If you’re interested in completing our initial screener to determine study eligibility, click here.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the study.
If you have additional questions or would like to speak with a member of the research team, please email us at BUSTOPStudy@bu.edu or call us at 617-353-9610 and ask to speak to a STOP Study coordinator.
We know how difficult it is to reach out to learn about research opportunities. We are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
(CBT = cognitive behavioral therapy)
1. What is social anxiety disorder?
A mental health condition characterized by an intense fear, anxiety, and avoidance of social situations due to concerns of embarrassment or being judged negatively by others. Click here to learn more about social anxiety disorder.
2. What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling, used for a range of problems, that focuses on how an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Homework is given during CBT that includes practicing learned skills to identify, change, and apply new behaviors. Click here to learn more about CBT.
3. What compensation does the study provide?
Fixed financial compensation is provided for completing study assessment activities (see below). Eligible participants are also offered 12-sessions of group CBT at no cost. Some participants are eligible for an additional 12 sessions of individual CBT, with medication management, after completing the group.
Compensation
Intake Interview – $40 one time
fMRI – $100 up to 3 times
EEG – $50 up to 3 times
The maximum amount of compensation an individual may receive from participating in this study is $490.
4. What if I also struggle with other diagnoses as well?
As long as social anxiety is the principal diagnosis, you may be eligible. There are some additional diagnostic exclusions, but they are limited (e.g., recent substance use disorder, OCD).
5. What’s the time commitment for the study?
As CBT is designed for in-person exposures, participants must be willing and able to attend a group treatment session once a week every week for around 3 hours (for a duration of 12 weeks). If eligible for the individual CBT phase and medication management phase, sessions are 1 hour long (for 12 additional weeks).
6. When do the groups occur?
We offer groups on a rotating basis depending on participant availability. Sessions are typically the same day and time each week, for 12 weeks. We frequently offer evening groups, starting at 5pm. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer groups on the weekend.
7. Is the medication (sertraline) safe/regulated?
Yes – this study is not a drug trial and sertraline, commonly known as Zoloft, is an FDA-approved medication, typically well-tolerated, and among the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of social anxiety disorder.
8. Do I have to attend all sessions/ Are sessions in person?
To maximize the efficacy of the group CBT treatment, it is ideal that participants attend all sessions. Sessions will occur once a week, last 2.5-3 hours, and are held at BU CARD.
9. What is the functional MRI procedure like?
If you would like to learn more about participating in an fMRI study, click here