Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Tests, Causes & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22709-social-anxiety

  Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety when you’re around people in social situations. This disorder is treatable with talk therapy and medications such as antidepressants. […] Social anxiety disorder is highly treatable with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or medication such as antidepressants (typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also known as SSRIs or beta-blockers). […] Evidence has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications like antidepressants are very successful in treating and managing social anxiety disorder. Treatment can help you drastically lessen or overcome your symptoms and anxiety in social situations.

• #1 Social Phobia Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290854-treatment

  A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is usually indicated for persons with social phobia. […] Virtual reality exposure therapy is an effective approach, especially when done using head-mounted displays in a manner that mimics in vivo exposure therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be combined with the virtual exposures. […] Antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; citalopram [Celexa], escitalopram [Lexapro], fluvoxamine [Luvox], paroxetine [Paxil], fluoxetine [Prozac], sertraline [Zoloft]) and venlafaxine (Effexor)) are commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of social phobia and generally result in remission of symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment. […] SSRIs are quickly becoming the standard first-line medication for social phobia.

• #1 Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353567

  Your health care provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. […] Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. The most common treatment for social anxiety disorder includes psychotherapy (also called psychological counseling or talk therapy) or medications or both. […] Psychotherapy improves symptoms in most people with social anxiety disorder. In therapy, you learn how to recognize and change negative thoughts about yourself and develop skills to help you gain confidence in social situations. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety, and it can be equally effective when conducted individually or in groups.

• #1 Social Phobia Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290854-treatment

  Cognitive restructuring can be combined with in vivo exposure, performance feedback, and attention retraining and/or combined with nonspecific stress management or computer-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). […] Cognitive therapy has evidence-based efficacy. […] Behavioral psychotherapies, such as gradual desensitization, are effective in persons with social phobia. […] Specific CBTs that have been found to be effective include computerized CBT (several types including „Coping Cat”) and clinician-assisted computerized CBT (CaCCBT). […] Cognitive and insight-oriented therapies have proved useful in treating social phobia. […] Stress management and relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, meditation, and deep breathing can lessen anxiety but are not sufficient alone in the treatment of social phobia.

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder: A Common, Underrecognized Mental Disorder | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1999/1115/p2311.html

  Cognitive behavioral therapy is a multicomponent treatment that typically is tailored to patients based on their presenting features. […] Approximately 20 controlled studies have examined various components of behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions for social phobia. […] Evidence suggests that treatment gains made during cognitive behavioral therapy generally endure after treatment is discontinued. […] The average cost of 16 to 24 weekly sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy can be prohibitive for some patients, although most third-party payers cover 50 to 80 percent of costs when the therapy is delivered by a licensed professional. […] Treatment planning should be done after the benefits and risks of treatment options have been discussed with the patient. […] Expert consensus guidelines are consistent with consideration of cognitive behavioral therapy alone for mild to moderate cases and combined cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy for moderate to severe cases of generalized social phobia. […] Some form of gradual reentry into feared situations should be a part of every treatment plan for social phobia.

• #1 Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/treatments-social-anxiety-disorder

  It may not be easy at first to seek help for a condition like social anxiety disorder, which can make you reluctant to speak to strangers. […] There are a lot of treatments that can help. […] If you’ve been avoiding certain social situations for at least a few months and have been under severe stress because of it, it’s time to get treatment. […] The best way to treat social anxiety is through cognitive behavioral therapy or medication — and often both. […] You generally need about 12 to 16 therapy sessions. The goal is to build confidence, learn skills that help you manage the situations that scare you most, and then get out into the world. […] Teamwork is key in social anxiety therapy. […] You might do role-playing and social skills training as part of your therapy. […] Your doctor may suggest antidepressants to treat your social anxiety disorder. […] You might find that the first course of treatment eases all of your anxiety. Or it might be a longer journey. But taking those first steps will lead you to a less stressful life.

• #1 Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353567

  In exposure-based CBT, you gradually work up to facing the situations you fear most. This can improve your coping skills and help you develop the confidence to deal with anxiety-inducing situations. […] Though several types of medications are available, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first type of drug tried for persistent symptoms of social anxiety. […] Your health care provider may also prescribe other medications for symptoms of social anxiety, such as: Other antidepressants. You may have to try several different antidepressants to find the one that’s most effective for you with the fewest side effects. […] Don’t give up if treatment doesn’t work quickly. You can continue to make strides in psychotherapy over several weeks or months. […] Several herbal remedies have been studied as treatments for anxiety, but results are mixed. […] These coping methods may help ease your anxiety: Routinely reach out to friends and family members. […] Over time, these coping methods can help control your symptoms and prevent a relapse.

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder – HelpGuide.org

  https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder

  Feel intensely uncomfortable in social situations? Use this guide to learn about the symptoms, treatment, and self-help for social phobia. […] Social anxiety disorder treatment […] If you’ve tried the self-help techniques above and you’re still struggling with disabling social anxiety, you may need professional help as well. […] Of all the professional treatments available, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to work best for treating social anxiety disorder. […] CBT for social phobia may involve: […] Learning how to control the physical symptoms of anxiety through relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. […] Challenging negative, unhelpful thoughts that trigger and fuel social anxiety, replacing them with more balanced views. […] Facing the social situations you fear in a gradual, systematic way, rather than avoiding them.

• #1 How to Practice Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety

  https://www.verywellmind.com/practice-social-anxiety-disorder-exposure-therapy-3024845

  Instead of shying away from conflict, exposure therapy will help you to gradually face potential conflict and learn that you can handle it when others disagree. […] Self-administered exposure techniques can be helpful for social anxiety that is not so extreme that it renders you housebound or facing severe panic attacks in most social or performance situations. […] In this case, it’s best to work with a mental health professional who can guide you gradually through the situations that you fear, being sure to first work on the thought patterns that keep you stuck.

• #1 Social Phobia Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290854-treatment

  Group psychodynamic psychotherapy and individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy (an approach used for many years in the treatment of phobias) are approaches that are especially effective if combined with pharmacotherapy such as anxiolytics. […] Attention bias modification training (ABMT) is a promising alternative approach that may be effective in reducing anxiety in children and adolescents who do not improve with CBT. […] Cognitive bias modification of interpretations (CBM-I) training is an alternative method to reduce anxiety in children and adolescents who do not respond to either CBT or ABMT.

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder Treatments: Therapy, Medication, Self-Help

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment

  Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD). […] Overall, the first-line treatment for SAD is therapy (namely cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT). […] Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend CBT as the first-line treatment. […] If CBT doesn’t work, or an individual doesn’t want to try it, NICE recommends the SSRIs escitalopram (Lexapro) or sertraline (Zoloft). […] Another option that’s been less researched than CBT but appears to be effective is psychodynamic psychotherapy. […] Guidelines developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence working group (NICE) on SAD recommend short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP, specifically designed for SAD) for individuals who decline CBT and medication.

• #1 Managing Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/managing-social-anxiety-disorder

  Before pharmacologic agents are initiated, treatment options, expected outcomes, and possible adverse effects (AEs) of medications should be discussed with the patient. Following initiation, it is necessary to monitor treatment frequently in order to assess efficacy. Once the patient attains the desired therapeutic response, the medication should be continued for at least 12 months in order to prevent relapse. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic drugs, benzodiazepines (BZDs), beta-blockers, and other anxiolytics are the standard drug classes used to treat SAD. […] SSRIs, which are first-line agents for SAD treatment, work by elevating the patients serotonin level, ultimately leading to regulated mood and improved mental well-being. […] Research has found no superior agent among SSRIs; however, paroxetine and sertraline effectively prevented relapse compared with placebo. Furthermore, paroxetine and fluvoxamine were superior to placebo for long-term treatment (24 months or longer). It may take up to 6 weeks to see symptom improvement with SSRIs. Some patients may experience increased anxiety or jitteriness during the first 2 weeks of therapy.

• #1 What Is Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia?

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder

  Social anxiety disorder is a condition that causes you to fear and avoid social situations. Treatment for SAD, including certain medications and therapy, can be very effective. […] Social anxiety disorder affects about 15 million adults in the U.S. […] SAD is one of the most common mental disorders but can be treated effectively. […] Prescription medication and behavioral therapy are the two effective treatments for social anxiety disorder. You may receive both at the same time. […] Talk therapy also called psychotherapy with a psychologist, clinical social worker, or other mental health counsellor can be very effective for SAD. […] CBT is the most effective form of talk therapy for SAD. […] The FDA has approved three medicines for social anxiety disorder: Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor.

• #1 Social anxiety disorder – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety_disorder

  Other commonly used medications include beta blockers and benzodiazepines. […] Medications such as SSRIs are effective for social phobia, such as paroxetine. […] The first-line treatment for social anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for those who decline CBT. […] Combining CBT with escitalopram (a type of SSRI) is effective in treating social anxiety symptoms. […] There is some emerging evidence for the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. […] Some studies have suggested social skills training can help with social anxiety. […] Social anxiety disorder may predict subsequent development of other psychiatric disorders, such as depression.

• #1 Managing Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/managing-social-anxiety-disorder

  SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs; however, with SNRIs, concentrations of both serotonin and norepinephrine are increased. In studies, venlafaxine was superior to placebo in reducing total SAD symptom severity. BZDs are frequently prescribed for SAD and other anxiety disorders in the United States. These agents work by enhancing affinity to GABA type A receptors, which produces a calming effect in the brain. Research has demonstrated that BZDs are effective for reducing symptoms of SAD. […] Pregabalin and gabapentin are GABAergic drugs proven beneficial for treating SAD. These agents have similar pharmacologic profiles, working as calcium modulators to inhibit excitatory neurotransmitter release. Beta-blockers are also helpful for managing somatic anxiety symptoms. Owing to their potent anxiolytic effect and ability to reduce tremors, beta-blockers have been used to treat performance anxiety. MAOIs are typically reserved as a last-line option because of their AEs and drug-food interactions, which is why they are no longer frequently prescribed.

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms and Treatment – Grow Therapy

  https://growtherapy.com/blog/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms-and-treatment/

  Social anxiety disorder can significantly hinder social interactions, impacting relationships and daily functioning. This mental health condition is treatable through therapy, coping skills, and self-care strategies. […] The good news is that social anxiety disorder is highly treatable. Therapy, coping skills, and self-care strategies can help you manage your anxiety. […] Social anxiety is not just part of your personality, she says. Social anxiety disorder is treatable with talk therapy and medications. […] The right treatments can help you manage your symptoms to function well in your daily life. With the right support, you can have a healthy, thriving social life despite your condition. […] Your unique treatment plan depends on your symptoms. Social anxiety disorder treatments can include: Prescription medications (if necessary), such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines; Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, which entails talking with a qualified mental health professional; Self-care strategies and coping mechanisms, which can help you function better in your daily life; Learning social skills, which can help you feel more empowered in social settings.

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder-social-phobia

  Proper and effective medications may also play a role in treatment, along with psychotherapy. […] Medications include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as well as drugs known as high-potency benzodiazepines. […] Treatments for social anxiety disorder do not work instantly and that no one plan works well for all patients.

• #1 Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/social-anxiety-treatment

  If an SSRI doesnt improve social anxiety, your doctor may prescribe another type of antidepressant to improve symptoms. […] If your social anxiety is severe enough that you experience panic attacks, your doctor may prescribe you MAOIs. […] Beta-blockers are commonly used to reduce high blood pressure but are sometimes prescribed to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate, sweating, or tremors. […] Anti-anxiety medications are also prescribed for social anxiety. […] Alternative therapies along with conventional treatment might also reduce anxiety and help you cope with social phobia. […] If your social anxiety isnt severe, there are alternative methods you can take in place of, or in addition to, traditional methods to reduce the amount of anxiety you face when youre in social situations.

• #1 Social anxiety disorder – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety_disorder

  A comparison of the treatment effects on social anxiety disorder showed that using a medication is faster, while CBT is longer-lasting. […] Using antidepressants for treating social anxiety disorder is typically not as effective as using CBT. […] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants, are the first choice of medication for generalized social phobia but a second-line treatment. […] Compared to older forms of medication, there is less risk of tolerability and drug dependency associated with SSRIs. […] Some people with a form of social phobia called performance phobia have been helped by beta-blockers, such as propranolol, commonly used to control high blood pressure.

• #1 Social Anxiety Treatment in Los Angeles | CBT for Social Anxiety

  https://cogbtherapy.com/los-angeles-social-anxiety-treatment

  Social Phobia, which is commonly referred to as Social Anxiety Disorder, is an intense fear of being judged and embarrassed by others. […] Social phobia is best treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication, or both. Cognitive behavior therapy is the treatment of choice for social phobia. […] Through CBT, people learn different ways of reacting to thoughts and feelings, and behaving in situations that help them feel less fearful. CBT also helps people learn and practice social skills when there is a deficit. […] Doctors also commonly prescribe medication to help treat Social Phobia. The most commonly prescribed medications for panic disorder are anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. […] Interestingly, there is evidence to suggest the combination of medication and CBT also leads to high relapse rates, indicating CBT is the treatment of choice for Social Phobia.

• #1 Recent advances in the understanding and psychological treatment of social anxiety disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10108597/

  One of the largest areas of contribution in the past few years has been in the area of employing digital therapy or virtual treatment for SAD. Digital therapy has the benefit of increasing access to care by reducing traditional barriers that can make coming into a clinic on a weekly basis difficult. […] Collectively, these recent findings in web-based and digital therapies for SAD point to several issues that need to be addressed. […] In addition to utilizing technology for the delivery of interventions for SAD, technology has recently been leveraged in novel ways. […] SAD is highly comorbid with other psychopathology, specifically MDD and substance use disorders (SUDs). As such, research that aims to better understand how treatment works for patients with these comorbidities, as well as how to improve upon treatments for patients with these comorbidities, can make a significant impact. […] Taken together, the last few years have generated only a few new articles specifically focused on treatment for SAD in the context of common comorbidities; but those few studies have yielded interesting findings with practical and direct clinical implications.

• #1 Recommendations | Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/chapter/recommendations

  Supported self-help for social anxiety disorder should consist of: typically up to 9 sessions of supported use of a CBT-based self-help book over 3 to 4 months. […] Individual CBT should consist of the following, taking into account the child or young person’s cognitive and emotional maturity: psychoeducation, exposure to feared or avoided social situations, training in social skills and opportunities to rehearse skills in social situations. […] Do not routinely offer pharmacological interventions to treat social anxiety disorder in children and young people. […] Do not routinely offer mindfulness-based interventions or supportive therapy to treat social anxiety disorder.

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder: Social Phobia Signs | BetterHelp

  https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/are-you-struggling-with-social-anxiety-therapy-can-help/

  Some research indicates that psychotherapy may be preferable to medication for treating social anxiety. […] If you develop social anxiety disorder, you might not get a physical exam like you would with other psychiatric disorders. […] Social anxiety therapy may seem intimidating. […] A number of options for engaging in therapy over the internet have emerged in recent years, which may make the process easier. […] Although internet-enabled therapy is a more novel method than in-person visits, the evidence suggests that it can be just as effective. […] A wide variety of psychotherapeutic approaches can help alleviate this problem, including exposure therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. […] Regardless of whether your fear of social situations is severe enough for a diagnosis, you may be able to find relief by working through it with a therapist.

• #1 Social anxiety (social phobia) – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/social-anxiety/

  antidepressant medicines, usually a type of medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as escitalopram or sertraline; these are usually not used to treat children and young people. […] CBT is generally considered the best treatment, but other treatments may help if it does not work or you do not want to try it. […] Treatments for social anxiety in children are similar to those for teenagers and adults, although medicines are not normally used. […] Therapy will be tailored to your child’s age and will often involve help from you.

• #1 Recommendations | Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/chapter/recommendations

  Healthcare, social care and educational professionals working with children and young people should be trained and skilled in: referring children with possible social anxiety disorder to appropriate services. […] If the identification questions indicate possible social anxiety disorder, a practitioner who is competent to perform a mental health assessment should review the person’s mental state and associated functional, interpersonal and social difficulties. […] If an adult with possible social anxiety disorder finds it difficult or distressing to attend an initial appointment in person, consider making the first contact by phone or internet, but aim to see the person face to face for subsequent assessments and treatment. […] Consider using a validated measure for social anxiety to inform the assessment and support the evaluation of any intervention, for example, the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) or the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS).

• #1 Recommendations | Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/chapter/recommendations

  After diagnosis of social anxiety disorder in an adult, identify the goals for treatment and provide information about the disorder and its treatment including: commonly held beliefs about the cause of the disorder. […] If the person also has symptoms of depression, assess their nature and extent and determine their functional link with the social anxiety disorder by asking them which existed first. […] For adults whose symptoms of social anxiety disorder have only partially responded to individual CBT after an adequate course of treatment, consider a pharmacological intervention in combination with individual CBT. […] Individual CBT (the Clark and Wells model) for social anxiety disorder should consist of up to 14 sessions of 90 minutes’ duration over approximately 4 months and include the following: education about social anxiety.

• #1 CHALLENGES IN TREATING SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER – National Social Anxiety Center

  https://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com/professional-workshops/challenges-in-treating-social-anxiety-disorder/

  CBT is an effective and durable treatment available to individuals with SAD. […] The proportion of patients with SAD who withdraw before treatment completion is high. […] The internet has become an integral and widely accepted platform for communication. […] Individuals with social anxiety may be tempted to overuse it as a safety behavior, perceiving that online communication minimizes opportunities for negative evaluation by others. […] It is important for clinicians to collaboratively identify the function of cannabis use with their clients, and to conceptualize its potential to interfere with learning needed for treatment progress. […] Individuals with social anxiety may be even more prone to use cannabis as a maladaptive coping response, interfering with necessary learning required for treatment progress. […] The National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC) is an association of independent Regional Clinics and Associates throughout the United States with certified cognitive-behavioral therapists (CBT) specializing in social anxiety and other anxiety-related problems.

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder | CAMH

  https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/social-anxiety-disorder

  Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) involves a fear or anxiety about being humiliated or scrutinized in social situations, which lasts at least six months. […] The most effective form of treatment for social anxiety disorder is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT for social anxiety disorder may include exposure therapy, which involves direct or imagined controlled exposure to objects or situations that create anxiety. Medications, such as anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants, have also been proven effective, and many people receive CBT and medication in combination. […] Support groups and self-help practices are also beneficial for people with social anxiety disorder. Regularly exercising, eating well, managing stress, spending time with loved ones, practicing spirituality or meditation, and monitoring alcohol and other drug use can help keep anxiety from getting worse.

• #1 What Is Social Anxiety Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://www.everydayhealth.com/social-anxiety-disorder/guide/

  Certain medications typically used to treat depression may be very helpful for social anxiety disorder, by preventing symptoms or making them less severe. […] These medications include: Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be used when social anxiety is present with other anxiety or depressive disorders. […] The serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is another medication option for social anxiety disorder. […] Healthy lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of social anxiety attacks, including exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and having regularly scheduled meals. […] There’s no way to completely prevent social anxiety disorder, but these techniques can help you reduce anxiety symptoms: Get help as soon as possible.

• #1 A cure for social anxiety disorders | ScienceDaily

  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161221090117.htm

  Social phobia is the most common anxiety disorder of our time. But the current treatment regimen for patients with this diagnosis has not proven very effective. Now a team of Norwegian and British researchers believe they have found a cure for social anxiety disorders. […] „We’ve set a new world record in effectively treating social anxiety disorders,” says Hans M. Nordahl, a professor of behavioural medicine at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). […] Until now, a combination of cognitive therapy and medication was thought to be the most effective treatment for these patients. The researchers’ results, which have just been published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, show that cognitive therapy on its own has a much better effect in the long term than just drugs or a combination of the two.

• #1 Social Anxiety Disorder > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

  https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder

  Patients with social anxiety disorder who seek treatment can often overcome their feelings of fear and anxiety related to social situations, enabling them to participate more fully and confidently in social events without overwhelming feelings of fear or anxiety. […] This assessment guides personalized treatment that starts with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavior therapy, and may include psychiatric medication, if needed.

• #1 CHALLENGES IN TREATING SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER – National Social Anxiety Center

  https://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com/professional-workshops/challenges-in-treating-social-anxiety-disorder/

  Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been identified as an effective and evidence-based treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD). […] Many patients who improve with treatment continue to have residual symptoms and impaired functioning. […] There is a need to address the factors that operate to diminish treatment efficacy and impede resolution of symptoms. […] Maladaptive perfectionism has been identified as a contributing and maintaining factor in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). […] It is important for clinicians to have an understanding about the role MP can play in reducing treatment efficacy and what can be done to help reduce or eliminate the detrimental impact. […] Evidence-based therapies are efficacious in improving the lives of those with social anxiety disorder (SAD).

• #1 Managing Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/managing-social-anxiety-disorder

  ABSTRACT: Anxiety disorders, which are the most common psychiatric illnesses, often go undiagnosed or undertreated. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) involves the persistent, intense fear of being observed or judged in social situations, such as public speaking or interactive settings, and affects a persons quality of life by impacting relationships, work or school, and social activities. […] Psychological and pharmacologic approaches are used to treat SAD. It is important to consider treatment guidelines and patient-related factors in choosing the best therapy for a patient with SAD, and pharmacists comprehensive knowledge of drugs and ability to evaluate drug therapy are essential in treatment management. […] According to the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for SAD, treatment includes psychological and pharmacologic options. The psychological intervention termed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to help patients face barriers directly through exposure techniques, relaxation techniques, and training in social and conversational skills. It is recommended that CBT be implemented ahead of pharmacologic therapy; however, some patients may decline it based on personal preference. Patients who manage their symptoms with psychological and pharmacologic treatments are more likely to achieve continued symptom-improvement benefits.

• #1 Recommendations | Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/chapter/recommendations

  When a person with social anxiety disorder is first offered an appointment, in particular in specialist services, provide clear information in a letter about: what will happen and what will not happen during assessment and treatment. […] For people with social anxiety disorder using inpatient mental health or medical services, arrange meals, activities and accommodation by: regularly discussing how such provisions fit into their treatment plan and their preferences. […] Offer to provide treatment in settings where children and young people with social anxiety disorder and their parents or carers feel most comfortable, for example, at home or in schools or community centres. […] When assessing a person with social anxiety disorder, provide opportunities for them to make and change appointments by various means, including text, email or phone.

• #1 Social anxiety disorder in adults: Treatment overview – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/social-anxiety-disorder-in-adults-treatment-overview

  Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a condition marked by extreme fear of situations that involve possible scrutiny by others. The individual avoids these situations due to fear of humiliation or embarrassment or endures them with intense anxiety. […] This topic and the associated algorithms present our treatment overview for SAD and SAD, performance only. […] Decision to treat — Patient preference is the primary factor in the determining the need for treatment. After the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD) is established, we review the impact that the disorder has had on the individual’s quality of life. […] Not all patients with SAD require immediate treatment. In particular, young adults may benefit from education about their disorder and may need time to reflect on the extent to which social anxiety and avoidance have negatively impacted their lives.

• #1 Social Anxiety Treatment | Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates

  https://rittenhousepa.com/conditions/social-anxiety/

  Social Anxiety Disorder is a common mental health condition, that is treatable with psychotherapy and/or medication management. […] Treatment for Social Anxiety should be tailored to the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment in psychiatry. Your treatment for Social Anxiety may include: Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, to increase functioning and desensitize from triggers. […] Medication management may be part of your Social Anxiety treatment. Specific medication utilized for an individual’s Anxiety may include SSRI’s/ SNRI’s or others. […] Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments for the treatment of Social Anxiety. […] The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at academic institutions. Our providers are Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and we have several licensed and doctoral level therapists and psychologists. We are experienced in working with individuals who struggle with various psychiatric conditions, including Social Anxiety.

• #1 Social Anxiety Treatment: Do I Need Medication?

  https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/social-anxiety-medication

  Social anxiety can be incredibly challenging. […] Despite stigma, its crucial to focus on your own mental health—you owe it to yourself to find the treatment that’s best for you. […] Whether with therapy, medication, or both, you can learn to manage social anxiety. […] The role or need for medication differs from person to person, Kilduff shares. […] The key is having an open conversation with your therapist and remembering that medication is not bad—it can be a tremendous tool for recovery. […] Taking medication for social anxiety doesn’t mean you’re failing or that therapy isn’t working. […] Kilduff mentions that treating social anxiety with medication alone is not likely to be as effective as pairing it with ERP therapy, which helps you change your behaviors in order to better manage the thoughts and feelings that come with social anxiety.

• #1 Recommendations | Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/chapter/recommendations

  People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, as described in making decisions about your care. […] The following guidance is based on the best available evidence. The full guideline gives details of the methods and the evidence used to develop the guidance. […] Health and care professionals should follow our general guidelines for people delivering care: […] The recommendations relate to children and young people (from school age to 17 years) and adults (aged 18 years and older). […] Be aware that people with social anxiety disorder may: not know that social anxiety disorder is a recognised condition and can be effectively treated. […] Primary and secondary care clinicians, managers and commissioners should consider arranging services flexibly to promote access and avoid exacerbating social anxiety disorder symptoms by offering: appointments at times when the service is least crowded or busy.

• #2 Recent advances in the understanding and psychological treatment of social anxiety disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10108597/

  Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by persistent anxiety or avoidance of social situations because of a fear of negative evaluation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (typically with an exposure component) is a first-line treatment for social anxiety, but there remains room for improvement with regard to treatment efficacy. […] Fortunately, several effective treatments for SAD exist. The gold-standard psychosocial treatment for SAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered in individual or group format. Increasing evidence also supports the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for SAD. Various medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been shown to be effective for SAD as well. […] The purposes of this review were to provide a thematic glimpse into the most recent developments in the understanding and management of SAD and to guide researchers and clinicians to particularly important articles for a more in-depth subsequent review.

• #2 Social anxiety disorder: Treatments and tips for managing this challenging condition – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/social-anxiety-disorder-treatments-and-tips-for-managing-this-challenging-condition

  Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also called social phobia, is a common mental health disorder that is estimated to affect up to 7% of adults in the US every year. […] The two most common treatment approaches for social anxiety disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription medications. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, is a first-line treatment for SAD. […] Your doctor may prescribe medications to use alone or in combination with CBT. Antidepressants are usually prescribed first for social anxiety disorder. […] If you suffer from performance anxiety, your doctor may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to use on an as-needed basis, such as before you give a presentation. […] Self-help techniques can be used to complement other treatments. Many of these measures are easy to implement and may provide benefits beyond building social confidence.

• #2 Social anxiety disorder – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety_disorder

  Social anxiety disorder is distinct from the personality traits of introversion and shyness. […] Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is an anxiety disorder characterized by sentiments of fear and anxiety in social situations, causing considerable distress and impairing ability to function in at least some aspects of daily life. […] The first line of treatment for social anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). […] CBT is effective in treating this disorder, whether delivered individually or in a group setting. […] The attention given to social anxiety disorder has significantly increased since 1999 with the approval and marketing of drugs for its treatment. […] Prescribed medications include several classes of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

• #2 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder Los Angeles

  https://cogbtherapy.com/cbt-for-social-anxiety-disorder

  Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a common and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations and interactions. People with social anxiety frequently worry about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected by others, which can lead to avoidance of everyday activities such as talking to strangers, attending social gatherings, or speaking up in meetings. […] Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard treatment for social anxiety and has been proven effective through decades of research. […] CBT for social anxiety typically involves: Learning to recognize and reframe anxious thoughts, Developing healthier self-talk and reducing self-criticism, Practicing exposure to social situations in a safe, structured way, Building assertiveness and communication skills.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder-social-phobia

  Social anxiety disorder, formerly referred to as social phobia, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. […] Social anxiety disorder is often treated effectively with two forms of treatment: psychotherapy and medications. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is very effective in treating severe social anxiety. […] A major aim of CBT and behavioral therapy is to reduce anxiety by eliminating beliefs or behaviors that help to maintain the anxiety disorder. […] A key element of CBT for anxiety is exposure, in which people confront the things they fear. […] If you undergo CBT or behavioral therapy, exposure will be carried out only when you are ready; it will be done gradually and only with your permission.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder: A Common, Underrecognized Mental Disorder | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1999/1115/p2311.html

  Cognitive behavioral therapy is a multicomponent treatment that typically is tailored to patients based on their presenting features. […] Approximately 20 controlled studies have examined various components of behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions for social phobia. […] Evidence suggests that treatment gains made during cognitive behavioral therapy generally endure after treatment is discontinued. […] The average cost of 16 to 24 weekly sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy can be prohibitive for some patients, although most third-party payers cover 50 to 80 percent of costs when the therapy is delivered by a licensed professional. […] Treatment planning should be done after the benefits and risks of treatment options have been discussed with the patient. […] Expert consensus guidelines are consistent with consideration of cognitive behavioral therapy alone for mild to moderate cases and combined cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy for moderate to severe cases of generalized social phobia. […] Some form of gradual reentry into feared situations should be a part of every treatment plan for social phobia.

• #2 Frontiers | The gold-standard treatment for social anxiety disorder: A roadmap for the future

  https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1070975/full

  The gold-standard treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD) is exposure therapy (ET), which follows the Pavlovian extinction model. […] The benchmark treatments for SAD include exposure therapy and drug intervention. […] Exposure therapy is an alternative to pharmacological interventions that produce undesirable side effects. […] The digital revolution has brought about a change of modality from laboratory-based therapy to virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET). […] All studies supported that VRET was as effective as in vivo ET. […] The efficacy of VRET in treating SAD is clinically significant compared to control groups. […] To conclude, recent studies provide strong evidence that VRET is as effective as in vivo ET in treating SAD. […] SAD treatment strategies based on classical conditioning have high attrition and relapse rates. […] Future research should be geared toward comparative longitudinal, relapse-prevention studies between Pavlovian exposure therapy, cognitive therapy, and third-wave approaches, such as therapy based on operant conditioning.

• #2 How to Practice Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety

  https://www.verywellmind.com/practice-social-anxiety-disorder-exposure-therapy-3024845

  Exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder (SAD) can help you overcome fears of specific social and performance situations. […] Exposure therapy can be a highly effective treatment for social anxiety and social fears. […] If you have this fear, it is possible to use the principles of exposure therapy to gradually become more comfortable using restrooms in public. […] You can learn to face this common fear by using a hierarchy involving telephone scenarios. […] Exposure therapy for the fear of socializing can involve a hierarchy including these situations and any others that cause you anxiety. […] You can overcome your anxiety about being the center of attention by gradually facing the situations you fear. […] Gradually facing increasingly difficult public speaking scenarios is one way to overcome your fears.

• #2 Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety — Talkspace

  https://www.talkspace.com/mental-health/conditions/articles/exposure-therapy-for-social-anxiety/

  Exposure therapy is one of the different types of therapy that can be successful in treating many phobia-based mental health conditions. Exposure therapy for social anxiety is an evidence-based approach that helps those who struggle with the overwhelming fear and distress they experience in social settings. It can help them feel safe and confident when navigating certain social situations, like public speaking or meeting new people. […] Studies show that exposure therapy a type of cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective way to treat social anxiety for some people. It involves gradually exposing a patient to an anxiety provoking situation or feared stimulus in a safe and controlled manner to help them reduce their social phobia and anxiety. […] Social anxiety exposure therapy treats social anxiety disorder and other types of social anxiety by challenging the cycle of fear and avoidance you associate with social environments. Exposure therapy helps you learn to manage your emotions in a variety of triggering situations and reduce social anxiety symptoms.

• #2 Social anxiety disorder – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety_disorder

  Other commonly used medications include beta blockers and benzodiazepines. […] Medications such as SSRIs are effective for social phobia, such as paroxetine. […] The first-line treatment for social anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for those who decline CBT. […] Combining CBT with escitalopram (a type of SSRI) is effective in treating social anxiety symptoms. […] There is some emerging evidence for the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. […] Some studies have suggested social skills training can help with social anxiety. […] Social anxiety disorder may predict subsequent development of other psychiatric disorders, such as depression.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder: Social Phobia Signs | BetterHelp

  https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/are-you-struggling-with-social-anxiety-therapy-can-help/

  A randomized controlled trial looked at the outcomes of 108 patients after undergoing psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder. […] Both groups receiving treatment showed measurable social improvements in factors such as symptoms of social anxiety, cognitive distortions related to social anxiety, and enhanced coping mechanisms for managing social anxiety. […] The positive effects of therapy on anxiety continued long after the treatment concluded. […] Adapting some of the strategies used in cognitive-behavioral therapy may help even when people use them on their own. […] Mental health professionals are constantly testing and refining their approaches to treatment for social anxiety. […] The following have shown promise for treating social anxiety: Mindfulness-based interventions, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Acceptance and commitment therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Exposure therapy.

• #2 Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/social-anxiety-treatment

  If your social anxiety seems too overwhelming to handle, its important to speak with a mental health professional. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment on its own and might be even more effective when combined with medication. […] Its been found that teletherapy, or therapy delivered remotely, can benefit those with social anxiety disorder who might delay or avoid in-person therapy. […] You may want to join a local or online support group for social anxiety. Here, youll connect with people who understand what youre going through because theyre managing the same condition. […] Because social anxiety can be a severe, ongoing disorder, a mental health professional may prescribe medication to help you cope. […] SSRIs are often the first-line treatment for social anxiety and depression.

• #2 Social anxiety disorder – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety_disorder

  A comparison of the treatment effects on social anxiety disorder showed that using a medication is faster, while CBT is longer-lasting. […] Using antidepressants for treating social anxiety disorder is typically not as effective as using CBT. […] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants, are the first choice of medication for generalized social phobia but a second-line treatment. […] Compared to older forms of medication, there is less risk of tolerability and drug dependency associated with SSRIs. […] Some people with a form of social phobia called performance phobia have been helped by beta-blockers, such as propranolol, commonly used to control high blood pressure.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

  https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/social-phobia

  Group therapy or a support group: This helps you learn social skills and techniques to interact with people in social settings. […] Exposure therapy: In this type of therapy, a healthcare professional will help you gradually face social situations rather than avoiding them. […] Medications can help improve your symptoms and help you function in your daily life. […] Medications that can treat social anxiety disorder include: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and Sertraline (Zoloft). […] Counseling, medication, and lifestyle remedies are all options. Social anxiety disorder seems to respond well to a combination of counseling and antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs. […] Medication, counseling, and lifestyle remedies can help people manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder-social-phobia

  Proper and effective medications may also play a role in treatment, along with psychotherapy. […] Medications include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as well as drugs known as high-potency benzodiazepines. […] Treatments for social anxiety disorder do not work instantly and that no one plan works well for all patients.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

  https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder

  An anxiety disorder in which people feel intensely fearful of participating in social situations. […] Treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy, medications. […] The most common treatment for social anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as talk therapy. […] Psychotherapists often rely on CBT to treat patients with social anxiety disorder. […] Certain medications may also be used to treat the condition. […] Doctors may prescribe certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). […] Certain anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines. […] Beta-blockers, which help to reduce symptoms, like sweating or trembling, among people with performance-related social anxiety disorder, especially when taken an hour before the patient is in a social situation.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder Treatments: Therapy, Medication, Self-Help

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment

  If you’d like to treat your social anxiety disorder (SAD) with medication, the doctor will likely start with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). […] SSRIs are the first-line treatment for SAD. […] When SSRIs or SNRIs don’t work, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), particularly phenelzine (Nardil), are another option. […] Some research has found that gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are effective for the generalized form of SAD. […] According to UpToDate.com, for performance-only SAD, benzodiazepines can help on an as needed basis. […] Currently, there’s no evidence that beta blockers are effective for performance-only SAD, but according to clinical experience, about half of individuals (or fewer) find beta blockers to be helpful.

• #2 South African Depression and Anxiety Group

  https://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1834&Itemid=164

  Once social phobia is diagnosed, it is imperative that treatment is introduced without delay. Extensive research has shown that in any anxiety disorder, a combination of drug and psychological therapy yields the best treatment results, and the most rapid recovery with the fewest relapses. […] Social Phobia responds well to drug therapy, but it is important to realise that social phobia is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. […] Psychological treatment is essential for the treatment of Social Phobia since it encourages the sufferer to confront negative beliefs and feelings which are thought to be root causes of their Social Phobia. […] Almost 80% of people suffering from Social Phobia find relief from their symptoms when treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

• #2 Social Anxiety Fact Sheet | Social Anxiety Association

  https://socialphobia.org/social-anxiety-disorder-definition-symptoms-treatment-therapy-medications-insight-prognosis

  Medication without the use of active, structured cognitive-behavioral therapy has no long-term benefits. […] Only CBT can change the neural pathway associations in the brain permanently. […] The therapy used must „fit” the way the human brain is structured. […] The majority of people in our groups now choose not to use medications and to concentrate solely on CBT. […] Nevertheless, it is the combination of cognitive and behavioral therapy that changes the brain and allows you to overcome social anxiety. […] Cognitive-behavioral (rational) therapy is not difficult to do, and has not been seen this way by participants. […] Prognosis is markedly good. […] People completing CBT training report a high success rate, compared to control groups. […] Repetition and reinforcement of rational concepts, strategies, and methods (and their implementation) is the key to alleviating social anxiety disorder on a long-term basis. […] Overcoming social anxiety is difficult because of the scarcity of treatment facilities for people with this persistent anxiety disorder.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder: Social Phobia Signs | BetterHelp

  https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/are-you-struggling-with-social-anxiety-therapy-can-help/

  Some research indicates that psychotherapy may be preferable to medication for treating social anxiety. […] If you develop social anxiety disorder, you might not get a physical exam like you would with other psychiatric disorders. […] Social anxiety therapy may seem intimidating. […] A number of options for engaging in therapy over the internet have emerged in recent years, which may make the process easier. […] Although internet-enabled therapy is a more novel method than in-person visits, the evidence suggests that it can be just as effective. […] A wide variety of psychotherapeutic approaches can help alleviate this problem, including exposure therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. […] Regardless of whether your fear of social situations is severe enough for a diagnosis, you may be able to find relief by working through it with a therapist.

• #2 Social anxiety (social phobia) – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/social-anxiety/

  Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations. […] It’s important to get help if you are having symptoms. There are treatments that can help you manage it. […] It’s a common problem and there are treatments that can help. […] If they think you could have social anxiety, you’ll be referred to a mental health specialist to have a full assessment and talk about treatments. […] A number of treatments are available for social anxiety. […] The main options are: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with a therapist, which is therapy that helps you identify negative thought patterns and behaviours, and change them; this can be done with just you and a therapist, in a group or with your parents or carers […] guided self-help, which involves working through a CBT-based workbook or online course with regular support from a therapist

• #2 Recent advances in the understanding and psychological treatment of social anxiety disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10108597/

  One of the largest areas of contribution in the past few years has been in the area of employing digital therapy or virtual treatment for SAD. Digital therapy has the benefit of increasing access to care by reducing traditional barriers that can make coming into a clinic on a weekly basis difficult. […] Collectively, these recent findings in web-based and digital therapies for SAD point to several issues that need to be addressed. […] In addition to utilizing technology for the delivery of interventions for SAD, technology has recently been leveraged in novel ways. […] SAD is highly comorbid with other psychopathology, specifically MDD and substance use disorders (SUDs). As such, research that aims to better understand how treatment works for patients with these comorbidities, as well as how to improve upon treatments for patients with these comorbidities, can make a significant impact. […] Taken together, the last few years have generated only a few new articles specifically focused on treatment for SAD in the context of common comorbidities; but those few studies have yielded interesting findings with practical and direct clinical implications.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder in Children: A Quick Guide

  https://childmind.org/guide/quick-guide-to-social-anxiety-disorder/

  Social anxiety disorder is very treatable. Children with it are treated with either behavioral therapy alone or a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the top psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder. It helps kids learn to manage their emotions and develop coping skills. […] Kids who take medication for social anxiety disorder usually do not take it for long. Common medications include SSRIs and beta blockers.

• #2 Social anxiety (social phobia)

  https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/social-anxiety/

  Social Anxiety Ireland runs a fourteen-week cognitive behavioural programme in Dublin. […] This is usually a type of medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Your GP will explain the options to you. […] Treatments for social anxiety in children are like those for teenagers and adults. The use of medicine depends on the age of the child and the severity of their experience of social anxiety. […] Therapy will depend on your child’s age and will often involve help from you. You may get training and self-help materials to use between sessions. It may also take place in a small group.

• #2 What Is Social Anxiety Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://www.everydayhealth.com/social-anxiety-disorder/guide/

  Social anxiety disorder can also lead to loneliness and social isolation. […] Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can interfere with work, school, relationships, and enjoyment of life. […] Social anxiety disorder symptoms can change over time; for example, they may get worse if you’re dealing with a lot of stress or increased demands.

• #2

  https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw177276

  Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is a condition in which a person is extremely anxious about what they will say or do in front of other people. […] Treatment of social anxiety disorder includes counselling and sometimes medicine. Whether you need medicine depends on how much the condition affects your daily life. If you already feel anxious around other people, it may be hard to ask for help. But treatment works for many people and can improve your life. […] Treatment of social anxiety disorder includes counselling, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT may use exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves being guided by a professional counsellor to imagine you are facing the feared situation. Treatment may also include taking medicine, such as antidepressants. Whether you need medicine depends on how much the condition affects your life. […] Counselling and medicines are the most effective treatments for social anxiety disorder. But practicing a healthy lifestyle may also help reduce your anxiety.

• #2 Social anxiety disorder – UF Health

  https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/social-anxiety-disorder

  Social skills training may involve social contact in a group therapy situation to practice social skills. Role playing and modeling are techniques used to help you become more comfortable relating to others in a social situation. […] Certain medicines, often also used to treat depression, may be very helpful for this disorder. They work by preventing your symptoms or making them less severe. You must take these medicines every day. DO NOT stop taking them without talking with your provider. […] Lifestyle changes may help reduce how often the attacks occur. […] You can ease the stress of having social anxiety by joining a support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. […] The outcome is often good with treatment. Antidepressant medicines can also be effective.

• #2 Social Anxiety Fact Sheet | Social Anxiety Association

  https://socialphobia.org/social-anxiety-disorder-definition-symptoms-treatment-therapy-medications-insight-prognosis

  Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia) is the third largest mental health care problem in the world today. […] Only direct cognitive-behavioral therapy can change the brain, and help people overcome social anxiety. […] Social anxiety treatment must include an active behavioral therapy group, where members can work on their „anxiety” hierarchies in the group, and later, in real-life situations with other group members. Social anxiety is a fully treatable condition and can be overcome with effective therapy, work, and patience. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety has been markedly successful. […] Appropriate therapy is markedly successful in changing people’s thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behavior. […] National Institutes of Mental Health-funded studies report a very high success rate using cognitive therapy with a behavioral therapy group.

• #2 A cure for social anxiety disorders | ScienceDaily

  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161221090117.htm

  Nearly 85 per cent of the study participants significantly improved or became completely healthy using only cognitive therapy. […] „A lot of doctors and hospitals combine medications — like the famous „happy pill” — with talk therapy when they treat this patient group. […] Not many health care professionals are aware of this,” says Nordahl. […] „Happy pills,” like selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may have strong physical side effects. […] „Patients often rely more on the medication and don’t place as much importance on therapy. […] So the medication camouflages a very important patient discovery: that by learning effective techniques, they have the ability to handle their anxiety themselves,” says Nordahl. […] Cognitive therapy is a treatment where the therapist works to get patients to accept their fear, to go into challenging situations and to shift their attention to what they want to say and do in those situations.

• #2 What Is Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia?

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder

  The advantage of medications is that they can be very effective. […] For many people, the advantages of medications outweigh the disadvantages. […] If you have symptoms of SAD, make that your priority. […] If left untreated, social anxiety disorder may lead to depression, drug or alcohol problems, school or work problems, and a poor quality of life. […] The sooner you talk to your doctor and get diagnosed, the sooner you will feel better.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder: A Common, Underrecognized Mental Disorder | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1999/1115/p2311.html

  Social phobia is a highly prevalent yet often overlooked psychiatric disorder that can cause severe disability but fortunately has shown responsiveness to specific pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy, with or without specific antidepressant therapy, is the evidence-based treatment of choice for most patients. […] The use of beta blockers as needed has been found to be helpful in the treatment of circumscribed social and performance phobias. […] For years, social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, has been underrecognized and undertreated. […] We now know more about recognizing social phobia and the types of interventions to which it is responsive. […] General supportive psychotherapy has not been found to be as useful in treating social phobia as more directive therapies focused on reducing anxiety by reducing avoidance.

• #2 Psychotherapy for Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/psychotherapy-social-anxiety-disorder

  Another technique for managing internal sensations is interoceptive exposure. […] As with medication treatments for SAD, a substantial minority of patients are not helped by CBT. […] Although these early trials are intriguing, further research is needed. […] CBT can be helpful for most patients with SAD. […] Alternative therapies such as psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy may help fill important gaps, but these require further empirical testing. […] For patients receiving medication who have poor or partial response, CBT may be helpful, but further research is needed. […] Currently, there is insufficient empirical support to recommend IPT as a first-line SAD treatment.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder – Symptoms, Signs, Treatments & Stats

  https://www.addictionhelp.com/mental-health/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder/

  Your doctor or therapist may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication alongside psychotherapy. This medication can help address some of the side effects of social anxiety disorder. […] Medications commonly used to treat social anxiety disorder include: Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluoxetine (Prozac) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). […] In addition to therapy and certain medications, there are also things you can do in the comfort of your own home to help better manage your social anxiety disorder symptoms. […] If you or someone you know is struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder, its crucial to seek help before symptoms worsen.

• #2 Recommendations | Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/chapter/recommendations

  People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, as described in making decisions about your care. […] The following guidance is based on the best available evidence. The full guideline gives details of the methods and the evidence used to develop the guidance. […] Health and care professionals should follow our general guidelines for people delivering care: […] The recommendations relate to children and young people (from school age to 17 years) and adults (aged 18 years and older). […] Be aware that people with social anxiety disorder may: not know that social anxiety disorder is a recognised condition and can be effectively treated. […] Primary and secondary care clinicians, managers and commissioners should consider arranging services flexibly to promote access and avoid exacerbating social anxiety disorder symptoms by offering: appointments at times when the service is least crowded or busy.

• #2 Recommendations | Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/chapter/recommendations

  Supported self-help for social anxiety disorder should consist of: typically up to 9 sessions of supported use of a CBT-based self-help book over 3 to 4 months. […] Individual CBT should consist of the following, taking into account the child or young person’s cognitive and emotional maturity: psychoeducation, exposure to feared or avoided social situations, training in social skills and opportunities to rehearse skills in social situations. […] Do not routinely offer pharmacological interventions to treat social anxiety disorder in children and young people. […] Do not routinely offer mindfulness-based interventions or supportive therapy to treat social anxiety disorder.

• #2 Social anxiety disorder in adults: Treatment overview – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-treating-social-anxiety-disorder-in-adults

  Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a condition marked by extreme fear of situations that involve possible scrutiny by others. The individual avoids these situations due to fear of humiliation or embarrassment or endures them with intense anxiety. […] This topic and the associated algorithms present our treatment overview for SAD and SAD, performance only (algorithm 1 and algorithm 2 and algorithm 3). […] Decision to treat — Patient preference is the primary factor in the determining the need for treatment. After the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD) is established, we review the impact that the disorder has had on the individual’s quality of life. […] Not all patients with SAD require immediate treatment. In particular, young adults may benefit from education about their disorder and may need time to reflect on the extent to which social anxiety and avoidance have negatively impacted their lives.

• #2 Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms and Treatment – Grow Therapy

  https://growtherapy.com/blog/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms-and-treatment/

  If you’re not sure where to start, speaking with a therapist is a good first step. Many different kinds of therapy can be used to treat social anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. […] For some people with social anxiety, the idea of speaking with a therapist can be daunting. Remember that therapists are there to help you, not judge or make you uncomfortable. […] Social skills training (SST) is a type of behavioral therapy that teaches social skills. […] Although social anxiety can be debilitating, it’s possible to live a happy and productive life despite having the condition. […] Different strategies work for different people. It’s a good idea to experiment and see which techniques work for you or talk with your therapist about the strategies best suited for your individual needs and circumstances. […] Talk therapy is a good place to start your healing journey.

• #2 Managing Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/managing-social-anxiety-disorder

  Before pharmacologic agents are initiated, treatment options, expected outcomes, and possible adverse effects (AEs) of medications should be discussed with the patient. Following initiation, it is necessary to monitor treatment frequently in order to assess efficacy. Once the patient attains the desired therapeutic response, the medication should be continued for at least 12 months in order to prevent relapse. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic drugs, benzodiazepines (BZDs), beta-blockers, and other anxiolytics are the standard drug classes used to treat SAD. […] SSRIs, which are first-line agents for SAD treatment, work by elevating the patients serotonin level, ultimately leading to regulated mood and improved mental well-being. […] Research has found no superior agent among SSRIs; however, paroxetine and sertraline effectively prevented relapse compared with placebo. Furthermore, paroxetine and fluvoxamine were superior to placebo for long-term treatment (24 months or longer). It may take up to 6 weeks to see symptom improvement with SSRIs. Some patients may experience increased anxiety or jitteriness during the first 2 weeks of therapy.

• #3 Social anxiety disorder – Signs, symptoms and treatment | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/social-anxiety-disorder

  Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is an excessive fear of social situations. […] The most effective treatment for social anxiety is psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. […] If you think you may have social anxiety disorder, seek help from your doctor or a mental health professional. They can diagnose you and give you advice on treatments and coping strategies. […] Social anxiety disorder can be treated with psychological therapies (talking therapies). This therapy can help you understand what is going on and help to change how you think. This can help you manage your anxiety. […] Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological therapy. In CBT, you work with a psychologist or doctor to identify thinking patterns that are not helpful to you. […] While psychological therapies are the most effective treatment, medicines may also be given for severe social anxiety. […] The medicines most often used to treat social anxiety disorder are antidepressants specifically SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

• #3 Social anxiety disorder in adults: Treatment overview – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/social-anxiety-disorder-in-adults-treatment-overview

  Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a condition marked by extreme fear of situations that involve possible scrutiny by others. The individual avoids these situations due to fear of humiliation or embarrassment or endures them with intense anxiety. […] This topic and the associated algorithms present our treatment overview for SAD and SAD, performance only. […] Decision to treat — Patient preference is the primary factor in the determining the need for treatment. After the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD) is established, we review the impact that the disorder has had on the individual’s quality of life. […] Not all patients with SAD require immediate treatment. In particular, young adults may benefit from education about their disorder and may need time to reflect on the extent to which social anxiety and avoidance have negatively impacted their lives.

• #3 Treatment of social phobia | Advances in Psychiatric Treatment | Cambridge Core

  https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/treatment-of-social-phobia/C14381FCAF92BA6E5BD08A820AB33484

  The treatment of choice in social phobia is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). […] Therapy would normally take between 8 and 20 out-patient sessions, depending on the severity and chronicity of the phobia. […] As always, treatment will depend upon patient choice and availability of therapy, but in common with other anxiety disorders, CBT is the initial choice of treatment for social phobia.

• #3 CBT STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME SOCIAL ANXIETY – National Social Anxiety Center

  https://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/social-anxiety-strategies/

  Learning to identify your hot thoughts (upsetting ideas, self-talk and mental images) that contribute to your social anxiety; learning to test these thoughts against real-life evidence; and learning to come up with a constructive attitude about the situation and yourself that is more realistic, helpful and compassionate. […] Cognitive Restructuring alone is not always enough to overcome our distressing hot thoughts. Often, cognitive restructuring is a first step in preparing for experiments (see below), where we have the opportunity to test out our hot thoughts v. our constructive attitude about a situation and ourselves. […] Developing a series of learning experiences to help you work on your therapy goals and overcome your social anxiety in small, manageable steps. […] One important CBT strategy in overcoming social anxiety is learning to figure out what to do in the event our fears come true.

• #3 Recent advances in the understanding and psychological treatment of social anxiety disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10108597/

  One of the largest areas of contribution in the past few years has been in the area of employing digital therapy or virtual treatment for SAD. Digital therapy has the benefit of increasing access to care by reducing traditional barriers that can make coming into a clinic on a weekly basis difficult. […] Collectively, these recent findings in web-based and digital therapies for SAD point to several issues that need to be addressed. […] In addition to utilizing technology for the delivery of interventions for SAD, technology has recently been leveraged in novel ways. […] SAD is highly comorbid with other psychopathology, specifically MDD and substance use disorders (SUDs). As such, research that aims to better understand how treatment works for patients with these comorbidities, as well as how to improve upon treatments for patients with these comorbidities, can make a significant impact. […] Taken together, the last few years have generated only a few new articles specifically focused on treatment for SAD in the context of common comorbidities; but those few studies have yielded interesting findings with practical and direct clinical implications.

• #3 Recent advances in the understanding and psychological treatment of social anxiety disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10108597/

  Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by persistent anxiety or avoidance of social situations because of a fear of negative evaluation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (typically with an exposure component) is a first-line treatment for social anxiety, but there remains room for improvement with regard to treatment efficacy. […] Fortunately, several effective treatments for SAD exist. The gold-standard psychosocial treatment for SAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered in individual or group format. Increasing evidence also supports the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for SAD. Various medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been shown to be effective for SAD as well. […] The purposes of this review were to provide a thematic glimpse into the most recent developments in the understanding and management of SAD and to guide researchers and clinicians to particularly important articles for a more in-depth subsequent review.

• #3 Psychotherapy for Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/psychotherapy-social-anxiety-disorder

  Another technique for managing internal sensations is interoceptive exposure. […] As with medication treatments for SAD, a substantial minority of patients are not helped by CBT. […] Although these early trials are intriguing, further research is needed. […] CBT can be helpful for most patients with SAD. […] Alternative therapies such as psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy may help fill important gaps, but these require further empirical testing. […] For patients receiving medication who have poor or partial response, CBT may be helpful, but further research is needed. […] Currently, there is insufficient empirical support to recommend IPT as a first-line SAD treatment.

• #3 Social Phobia Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290854-treatment

  A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is usually indicated for persons with social phobia. […] Virtual reality exposure therapy is an effective approach, especially when done using head-mounted displays in a manner that mimics in vivo exposure therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be combined with the virtual exposures. […] Antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; citalopram [Celexa], escitalopram [Lexapro], fluvoxamine [Luvox], paroxetine [Paxil], fluoxetine [Prozac], sertraline [Zoloft]) and venlafaxine (Effexor)) are commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of social phobia and generally result in remission of symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment. […] SSRIs are quickly becoming the standard first-line medication for social phobia.

• #3 Managing Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/managing-social-anxiety-disorder

  Before pharmacologic agents are initiated, treatment options, expected outcomes, and possible adverse effects (AEs) of medications should be discussed with the patient. Following initiation, it is necessary to monitor treatment frequently in order to assess efficacy. Once the patient attains the desired therapeutic response, the medication should be continued for at least 12 months in order to prevent relapse. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic drugs, benzodiazepines (BZDs), beta-blockers, and other anxiolytics are the standard drug classes used to treat SAD. […] SSRIs, which are first-line agents for SAD treatment, work by elevating the patients serotonin level, ultimately leading to regulated mood and improved mental well-being. […] Research has found no superior agent among SSRIs; however, paroxetine and sertraline effectively prevented relapse compared with placebo. Furthermore, paroxetine and fluvoxamine were superior to placebo for long-term treatment (24 months or longer). It may take up to 6 weeks to see symptom improvement with SSRIs. Some patients may experience increased anxiety or jitteriness during the first 2 weeks of therapy.

• #3 Managing Social Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/managing-social-anxiety-disorder

  SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs; however, with SNRIs, concentrations of both serotonin and norepinephrine are increased. In studies, venlafaxine was superior to placebo in reducing total SAD symptom severity. BZDs are frequently prescribed for SAD and other anxiety disorders in the United States. These agents work by enhancing affinity to GABA type A receptors, which produces a calming effect in the brain. Research has demonstrated that BZDs are effective for reducing symptoms of SAD. […] Pregabalin and gabapentin are GABAergic drugs proven beneficial for treating SAD. These agents have similar pharmacologic profiles, working as calcium modulators to inhibit excitatory neurotransmitter release. Beta-blockers are also helpful for managing somatic anxiety symptoms. Owing to their potent anxiolytic effect and ability to reduce tremors, beta-blockers have been used to treat performance anxiety. MAOIs are typically reserved as a last-line option because of their AEs and drug-food interactions, which is why they are no longer frequently prescribed.

• #3 Social Anxiety Disorder | ColumbiaDoctors

  https://www.columbiadoctors.org/treatments-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder

  Social anxiety disorder can be treated effectively with therapy and/or medication. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown through research to be an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder. […] In cases of moderate to severe social anxiety disorder, medications may be an important component of treatment. […] Research suggests that the most effective treatment for social anxiety disorder is the combination of serotonin reuptake inhibitors and CBT. […] At ColumbiaDoctors, we provide the full array of treatments for social anxiety disorder.

• #3 Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment | SoCal Mental Health

  https://socalmentalhealth.com/disorders-treated/anxiety/social-anxiety/

  Lifestyle changes for social anxiety might include endorphin-inducing activities, meditative techniques, diet change, caffeine avoidance, drug avoidance, better sleep, and striving for more social interaction. […] Please remember that social anxiety is not typically something that goes away without any of the above strategies. […] SoCal Mental Health in Orange County offers a range of treatment options for those struggling with social anxiety.

• #3 A cure for social anxiety disorders | ScienceDaily

  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161221090117.htm

  Only with the help of cognitive therapy have researchers managed to increase the recovery rate in patients with social anxiety disorders by 20 to 25 per cent, as compared with the norm for this group. […] „This is the most effective treatment ever for this patient group. […] I can well imagine that the combination of drug therapy and cognitive therapy isn’t the best approach, as NTNU researchers have determined in this study,” he said. […] „We’re using what’s called metacognitive therapy, meaning that we work with patients’ thoughts and their reactions and beliefs about those thoughts. […] The researchers now hope to develop standardized cognitive therapy further for patients who suffer from social anxiety disorders.

• #3 Recommendations | Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg159/chapter/recommendations

  After diagnosis of social anxiety disorder in an adult, identify the goals for treatment and provide information about the disorder and its treatment including: commonly held beliefs about the cause of the disorder. […] If the person also has symptoms of depression, assess their nature and extent and determine their functional link with the social anxiety disorder by asking them which existed first. […] For adults whose symptoms of social anxiety disorder have only partially responded to individual CBT after an adequate course of treatment, consider a pharmacological intervention in combination with individual CBT. […] Individual CBT (the Clark and Wells model) for social anxiety disorder should consist of up to 14 sessions of 90 minutes’ duration over approximately 4 months and include the following: education about social anxiety.

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