SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: IS INDIVIDUAL COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY MORE EFFECTIVE THAN GROUP THERAPY IN REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENTS?

Abstract

The study aimed to systematically review the efficacy of individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) compared to group CBT in reducing symptoms of social anxiety in adolescents. A comprehensive analysis of articles published between 2015 and 2023 in the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science databases was carried out, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and meta-analyses that directly evaluated the efficacy of the two therapeutic approaches. The results indicated that both CBT modalities are effective in reducing symptoms of social anxiety, but individual CBT showed advantages for adolescents with more severe symptoms, offering personalized treatment and higher adherence rates. Group CBT proved to be a cost-effective alternative, allowing the practice of social interactions in a structured environment, although it presented a higher dropout rate. Although some meta-analyses suggest a slight superiority of individual CBT, the differences between the formats were not statistically significant. It was concluded that the choice between formats should consider individual factors, such as symptom severity and patient preferences. Future studies should investigate moderators of CBT effectiveness, such as age, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors, in order to improve the personalization of therapeutic interventions.