Drug treatment of social phobia

Social phobia is a potentially serious anxiety disorder that has attracted research interest in the U.S.A. very recently. Patients with social phobia suffer severe anxiety only in the context of social situations. Men are more likely to be afflicted than women. Alcohol and drug abuse are frequent complications. Two classes of medication are promising in treating this condition--beta-adrenergic receptor blockers and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Data supporting the use of these drugs are reviewed and recommendations for pharmacologic management of social phobics are outlined.