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[Social phobia].
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Deutschland, Sekretariat.Bandelow@med.uni-goettingen.de.
Der Nervenarzt
|April 11, 2014
Summary
Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, is a prevalent condition effectively treated with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and medications like SSRIs and venlafaxine. Evidence-based treatments offer significant relief for this serious disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Social phobia (social anxiety disorder) affects 13% of people lifetime, presenting significant burdens including increased suicide risk and substance abuse comorbidity.
- Characterized by intense fear of scrutiny, social phobia often emerges during adolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for social phobia.
- To systematically review randomized trials for social phobia interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for social phobia treatment.
- Analysis of psychological therapies and psychopharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) variants demonstrated effectiveness in controlled studies.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and venlafaxine (SNRI) are identified as first-choice medications.
Conclusions:
- Effective evidence-based treatments, including CBT and specific medications, are available for social phobia.
- Treatment recommendations are based on a rigorous review of RCTs, supporting CBT and SSRIs/venlafaxine as primary options.
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