Dose Timing of D -Cycloserine to Augment Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Importance: Findings suggest that the efficacy of D-cycloserine (DCS) for enhancing exposure therapy may be strongest when administered after sessions marked by low fear at the conclusion of exposure practice. These findings have prompted investigation of DCS dosing tailored to results of exposure sessions. Objective: To compare tailored postsession DCS administration with presession DCS administration, postsession DCS administration, and placebo augmentation of exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder. Design, Setting, and Participants: This double-blind randomized clinical trial involved adults with social anxiety disorder enrolled at 3 US university centers. Symptom severity was assessed at baseline, weekly during treatment, and at 1-week and 3-month follow-up. Data analysis was performed from September 2019 to March 2020. Interventions: Participants completed a 5-session treatment and received pills commensurate with their condition assignment at sessions 2 through 5, which emphasized exposure practice. Main Outcomes and Measures: Symptom severity was evaluated by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Social Phobic Disorders-Severity Form as administered by independent evaluators. Results: A total of 152 participants were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 29.24 [10.16] years; 84 men [55.26%]). Compared with placebo, presession and postsession conditions showed greater symptom improvement (b = -0.25; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.13; P