Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of digital interventions for patients with social anxiety disorder.

Approach:

• Search Strategy: Randomized controlled trials evaluating digital interventions for social anxiety disorder were identified through searches in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase from January 1, 1995, to March 31, 2025.
• Data Extraction: Two researchers independently screened and extracted data on study characteristics and outcomes related to social anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and quality of life.
• Risk of Bias Assessment: The risk of bias was assessed using Review Manager 5.4, covering various bias domains.
• Heterogeneity and Inconsistency: Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q-test, and a random-effects model was used when substantial heterogeneity was detected.

Key Findings:

• DIs showed better efficacy than non-digital interventions and wait-list controls.
• Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) demonstrated robust effects across all outcomes.
• Internet-based cognitive therapy (ICT) effectively reduced social anxiety and depressive symptoms.
• Virtual reality (VR) interventions had relatively large effect sizes for improving quality of life.

Interpretation:

DIs can be recommended as adjunctive or combined treatments for SAD, with ICBT as a first-line option among digital interventions.

Limitations:

• The review focused only on randomized controlled trials published in English.
• Potential biases in included studies may affect the overall findings.

Conclusion:

Promoting the application of DIs could expand treatment coverage for SAD and address limitations of traditional psychotherapy.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration