Cognitive-behavioral approaches to the treatment of social anxiety disorder

Abstract

The current paper provides an overview of and evidence for the cognitive-behavioral formulation of social anxiety. In addition, the paper presents the theory supporting an empirical basis for the use of exposure and cognitive restructuring in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Finally, the paper concludes with a review of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatments for social anxiety disorder, including a comparison with psychopharmacological treatments. Both cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological interventions appear to be effective for social anxiety disorder, with relative advantages and disadvantages for each.