Brief cognitive behavior therapy in patients with social anxiety disorder: a preliminary investigation

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice in anxiety disorders. However, there is little evidence for the effectiveness brief CBT in social anxiety.

We examined the effectiveness of a brief CBT of six sessions in patients with social anxiety disorder.

A single case design study baseline; post and 1 month follow-up was adopted.

Seven patients with a DSM IV diagnosis of social anxiety underwent 6 weekly sessions of brief CBT. Their diagnosis was confirmed using structured diagnostic interviews. They were assessed at baseline, post and 1-month follow-up on CGI- Severity, Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Social Phobia Rating Scale, Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation, and Beck's Depression Inventory.

Data were analyzed using the method of clinical significance.

Results indicated that brief CBT was effective in reducing social anxiety in all patients. Brief CBT was also effective in reducing social avoidance and self consciousness. However, brief CBT was not effective in reducing fear of negative evaluation in all patients, suggesting the need for longer duration for cognitive changes in some dysfunctional beliefs.

This preliminary case series indicates that brief CBT may be a promising and a cost and time effective approach to managing for social anxiety.