[Treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD)]

Social anxiety disorder(SAD) is the most common anxiety disorder and it is a risk factor for subsequent substance abuse. The efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor(SNRI) for the treatment of SAD has been reported. Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) was also effective for the treatment of SAD in many studies. High rate of co-occurring SAD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be found in both clinical samples and in the general population. With regard to treatments for those suffering from SAD and AUD, little is known about the most effective treatment. Early interventions with social anxiety may thwart the development of maladaptive patterns of coping-related alcohol use from developing in the first place, and effectively prevent the developing of co-morbid SAD-AUDs.