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Predictors of Exposure Therapy response (PoET) study for social anxiety and panic disorder

Do you have intense fear of being judged by others, are self-conscious in everyday social situations? Or do you worry that you will have sudden attacks of overwhelming fear that last for several minutes with pounding heart, feel like you can’t breathe or think clearly? If this is you, we are looking for you!

We invite individuals with a diagnosis of social anxiety or panic disorder aged 18-55 to participate in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and group exposure therapy study looking at predictors of exposure therapy response.

In this study, you will be asked to complete three assessments (baseline, post-treatment and follow-up), complete two sessions in an MRI scanner doing tasks and complete 5 group exposure therapy sessions (1.5h a week across 5 weeks). As part of the therapy, you will be asked to complete several short surveys about your feelings, expectations and experiences, and we will collect saliva samples during some therapy session to measure your hormones. We will also measure your sleep on three occasions (before, during and after the therapy) using a small wearable device attached to your forehead and a smartphone app.

In this study, you will receive therapy free of change, will be reimbursed $100 for each MRI scan ($200 total) and a maximum of $40 for the daily surveys. In addition, you wish you may receive a copy of the pictures of your brain and a report of your sleep.

For further information or if you are interested in participating, please follow the link below.

PoET study link