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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Supporting Evidence and Future Directions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

James P. Hambrick ,
Justin W. Weeks ,
Gerlinde C. Harb  and
Richard G. Heimberg
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Abstract

The present paper examines the role of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). A cognitive-behavioral model of SAD is first presented. Different modalities of CBT for SAD are then described, including exposure, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, and social skills training, and evidence supporting their efficacy is reviewed. The comparative and combined impact of CBT and pharmacotherapeutic interventions is also explored. CBT appears to be an efficacious treatment for SAD. However, the overall efficacy CBT may be increased by closer examination of the active ingredients of treatment. Such analyses may also enable more successful integration of the different CBT techniques and of CBT and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of SAD.

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Type
Review
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 8 , Issue 5: Psychosocial Treatment of Anxiety Disorders , May 2003 , pp. 373 - 381
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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