Non-pharmacologic treatments for social anxiety disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to present a review of research on the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions for children, adolescents and adults with social anxiety disorder. Data are presented on the relative efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs), pharmacotherapy and combination treatments. We also discuss research on specific clinical conditions that are likely to influence treatment success.

METHOD: Relevant studies were identified through literature searches, reference lists and research databases.

RESULTS: Non-pharmacologic treatments for social anxiety disorder, particularly CBTs, have gained substantial empirical support over the last two decades. However, questions remain about how to maximize the benefit of available treatments.

CONCLUSION: New directions for future research in this area are discussed.