Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral group therapy for social phobia

We investigated the usefulness of a hand-held computer as a therapeutic adjunct to cognitive-behavioral group treatment (CBGT) for social phobia. Social phobics (n = 54) were randomly assigned to a 12-session CBGT, 8-session CBGT utilizing a hand-held computer (CaCBGT) to facilitate homework assignments, or to a wait-list control group (WL). At posttreatment, CBGT was significantly better than WL on all self-report measures and most measures of a behavioral assessment test. CaCBGT was significantly better than WL on most measures of the behavioral assessment test, but there were no significant differences on self-report measures. At posttreatment and at follow-up there were no significant differences between CBGT and CaCBGT except that participants in the CaCBGT had significantly more positive thoughts than did participants in the CBGT at posttreatment (but not follow-up). CBGT initially appeared to have stronger effects than CaCBGT on reducing social phobia symptoms. However, by follow-up, CBGT and CaCBGT appeared to be equally effective in reducing symptoms and improving behaviors associated with social phobia.