Randomized trial of cognitive behaviour group therapy and a mindfulness‐based intervention for social anxiety disorder: Preliminary findings

Recent studies have evaluated the possible efficacy of mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) for social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, few trials have compared MBIs with a first‐line treatment. This study evaluated the relative efficacy of an MBI adapted for SAD (MBI‐SAD) to cognitive behaviour group therapy (CBGT) for SAD. Participants were randomized to 12 weekly group sessions of the MBI‐SAD (n = 52) or CBGT (n = 45). Results revealed that CBGT fared better than the MBI‐SAD in reducing clinician‐ and self‐rated social anxiety severity. The difference between the MBI‐SAD and CBGT exceeded the prespecified noninferiority margin for our primary outcome the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, but findings are inconclusive as the width of the confidence interval extended in both directions surrounding the noninferiority margin. The MBI‐SAD compared favourably with CBGT in improving other indices of well‐being (depression, self‐esteem, satisfaction with life, social adjustment). Contrary to expectation, the MBI‐SAD did not produce greater changes in mindfulness and self‐compassion than CBGT. Overall, results confirm that CBGT is robust treatment for SAD and should be considered as first‐line treatment.