The aim of this study is to examine the biomarker of self-focused attention as an early warning indicator of treatment non-response. We are interested in understanding why some individuals respond more fully to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) than others, and whether neural signals related and unrelated to self-focused attention can explain the variation in treatment response.

We are actively recruiting participants for this study. We are looking for individuals (ages 18-45) who have significant fear in social situations and/or distressing appearance concerns and are interested in receiving CBT, as well as individuals who have no history of mental health conditions. This study will take place over the course of approximately 3-4 months at the University of Washington.

The study will involve several interviewer-rated assessments, neurocognitive and self-report measures, and multiple fMRI scans. The specific number of scans and the timing of these scans will depend on the group you enroll in. At the first study appointment, you will receive a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation by a Ph.D. level clinician to assess your mood, mental health, and treatment histories and determine your study eligibility. Participants enrolling in the clinical group will receive 12 weekly sessions of CBT at no cost. You will receive $100 for each MRI scan you participate in and participants in the clinical group will also receive $25 payments for additional assessments they undergo throughout treatment. All study procedures will take place at the University of Washington Seattle campus.

Please check out our website which provides further details regarding eligibility, study procedures, and FAQs: Schedule a phone screen here! – Investigating predictors and warning signs of CBT response in social anxiety and body dysmorphic disorder

If you have questions, feel free to contact us via email or schedule a phone screen. To participate, we will need to conduct a 20-30 min phone screen interview asking questions related to your self-focused attention and other related symptoms to determine if you meet preliminary eligibility. If you are still interested in participating, you can schedule a slot for the phone screen interview via this Calendly link: https://uwifocus.com/contact/