JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) significantly affects young individuals' social and academic functioning, emphasising the need for accessible and effective treatments such as digital mental health interventions (DMHI).

Objective:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of DMHI for children, adolescents and young adults with social anxiety.

Methods:

For review and meta-analysis databases were searched for randomised controlled trials investigating DMHI addressing social anxiety in young people (mean age <25 years). Two authors independently screened the records, extracted data and assessed the Risk of Bias.

Results:

This systematic review includes k=22 and the meta-analysis k=21 studies. Results significantly favoured DMHIs (g=0.508; 95% CI: 0.308; 0.707) over any control condition (i.e., waitlist or active interventions) after the intervention, specifically those compared to waitlist control conditions (g=0.576; 95% CI: 0.343; 0.809), based on cognitive behavioural principles (g=0.610; 95% CI: 0.361; 0.859), incorporating SAD-specific components (g=0.878; 95% CI: 0.469; 1.278) and those with human guidance (g=0.825; 95% CI: 0.425; 1.224). Neither parental involvement nor age influenced outcomes significantly. When publication bias was considered, the overall effect remained significant (g=0.506 (95% CI= 0.308; 0.707).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis provides support for the efficacy of DMHI for social anxiety compared to no intervention and the beneficial effects of guidance and interventions specifically designed for SAD. Further, it highlights methodological shortcomings and heterogeneous reporting standards. Future research should prioritise higher methodological quality and should explore how effects are related to age and specific intervention components, including guidance and treatment modules. Clinical Trial: This systematic review and meta-analysis was preregistered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023424181).