Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Social Isolation Model: A Noninvasive Rodent Model of Stress and Anxiety
Published on: November 11, 2022
Pharmacotherapy of social anxiety disorder
1Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Research Psychiatrist, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA. frs1@columbia.edu
Introduction:
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with a lifetime prevalence of 5-12%. Fears of scrutiny and embarrassment in social and public situations are accompanied by anxiety symptoms, avoidance behavior, and impairment in social and work functioning. Several classes of medication, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapies, have evidence for efficacy in the treatment of SAD, but only a minority of individuals with the disorder receives treatment.
Areas Covered:
This review focuses on the evidence-based treatment of SAD with medications including serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, other antidepressants, benzodiazepines, alpha-delta calcium-channel agents, and beta-adrenergic blockers. It discusses clinical considerations in the selection and monitoring of treatments, including issues of safety, duration of treatment, comorbidity, and integration of medication with psychotherapeutic treatment. For this review, a PubMed literature search was conducted during July, 2010.
Expert Opinion:
Medications in several classes have been demonstrated efficacious in the treatment of SAD. Treatment selection and implementation require attention to clinical diagnosis, patient education, and appropriate monitoring.
Related Concept Videos
Social Anxiety Disorder
Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.