Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder

If you are diagnosed with ]]>social anxiety disorder]]> , your doctor may prescribe medication to help you feel less anxious and afraid. A doctor or counselor who is trained in treating social anxiety disorder can also help you to become more comfortable in social situations. The optimal treatment for most patients includes a combination of drug therapy and psychotherapy (eg, ]]>cognitive-behavioral therapy]]> ).

Treatment involves the following:

]]>Medications]]>
]]>Other treatments—therapy]]>

Surgical procedures are not indicated for the treatment of social anxiety disorder.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV-TR. American Psychiatric Association; 2000.

Schneier FR. Clinical practice. Social anxiety disorder. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:1029-1036.

Social phobia (social anxiety disorder). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder.shtml . Updated October 2008. Accessed October 30, 2008.

Last reviewed July 2008 by ]]>Theodor B. Rais, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.