Virtual Reality Therapy vs. Medication for Teen Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder makes it hard for teens and young adults to be around others, and it can affect school, friendships, and work. This study is testing whether virtual reality exposure therapy—where you practice social situations in a safe, computer-created environment—works as well as sertraline, a common medication that many people take for social anxiety. The goal is to see if this newer therapy could be a good choice for people who prefer not to take medication.

Many young people and their families hesitate to use medication because of concerns about side effects or personal preferences. This study exists to find out whether virtual reality therapy could be an effective and acceptable alternative to the medication.