According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 12.1% of United States (U.S.) adults experience Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) at some time in their lives (Gordon 1). Social anxiety has been a part of society since the very beginning; however, it was never truly noticed until the early 20th century (Crocq 1). People living with Social Anxiety Disorder before the disorder had been identified were simply known as very shy. Hippocrates described a socially anxious person as someone who “loves darkness as life” and “thinks every man observes him” (1). Social anxiety disorder, previously termed as “social phobia,” was formally recognized as a separate phobic disorder in the mid-1960s (Gelder 1). Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder experience intense fear and anxiety in social situations, always feel like they are being watched and judged by others; this leads to avoidance behaviors that affect their personal and professional lives (Gordon 1). Social Anxiety Disorder can seriously cause harm in a people’s life, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy may be the best approach for treating it.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder. Proof to this is research from 2012 that suggests that Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy is a highly effective treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder (Huffman 1). They conducted a meta-analysis of 106 studies and found that Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy was associated with large reductions in social anxiety symptoms (1). Moreover, “the positive effects of the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy were maintained over time, indicating its long-term efficiency” (1). The scholarly research conducted by Hoffman and others in 2012 provides strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in treating Social Anxiety Disorder. This therapy teaches individuals with skills to challenge negative thoughts, modify maladaptive behaviors, and develop more realistic beliefs and social interactions. By targeting these underlying cognitive and behavioral processes, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy enables individuals to gradually confront their fears, leading to a reduction in social anxiety symptoms; “Our review of randomized placebo-controlled trials indicates that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is efficacious for adult anxiety disorders. There is, however, considerable room for improvement “(Hoffman 621).
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy empowers individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder to become active participants in their treatment. According to Rapee and Spence, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy empowers individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder by promoting a sense of control and self-efficacy (Rapee 1). With systematized acknowledgement and the evolution of coping strategies, people living with Social Anxiety Disorder learn to challenge their fears and go through any social situations. Their functional participation promotes a sense of mastery and self-confidence, which can lead to long-lasting positive results. Their research highlights the importance of active involvement in the treatment process. Unlike passive approaches, such as medication, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy encourages individuals to take charge of their own recovery. By engaging in vulnerability exercises and putting in the learned techniques, these persons can gradually numb themselves to social anxiety. According to American Psychological Association “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists. Through exercises in the session as well as “homework” exercises outside of sessions, patients/clients are helped to develop coping skills, whereby they can learn to change their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior” (“What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?”). This active participation not only enhances treatment outcomes, but also promotes a sense of personal agency and self-empowerment.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy addresses underlying cognitive distortions associated with Social Anxiety Disorder. Another study from 1995 argued that “cognitive biases distortions contribute to the maintenance of social anxiety” (Clark 69). These may include the negative self-evaluations of these individuals, their beliefs that they are permanently being evaluated by others, and an exaggerated focus on internal bodily sensations. At the same time “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy directly targets these cognitive distortions, helping individuals to reframe negative thoughts and develop more balanced and realistic beliefs” (75). This research shows that cognitive distortions play a key role in the perpetuation of Social Anxiety Disorder. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy intervenes by challenging these distorted beliefs and encouraging individuals to develop more accurate and rational perspectives. By addressing the underlying cognitive processes, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy helps individuals reframe their negative self-evaluations and reduces the tendency to engage in catastrophic thinking. This cognitive restructuring is an essential component of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy’s effectiveness in treating Social Anxiety Disorder.
Potential limitations and considerations of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy play a significant role in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. While Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is highly effective, it is important to acknowledge potential limitations. A study from 2018 found that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy “dropout rates can be high, with approximately 20% of participants failing to complete the full course of therapy. Additionally, not all individuals respond equally to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, as the treatments’ effectiveness may be influenced by numerous factors, such as individual differences and comorbidities” (Newby et al. 1). Newby et al. study highlights the importance of considering potential limitations of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Also, these high rates of dropout could be assigned to other varied factors, such as the intensity of exposure exercises or individuals’ resistance to confronting their fears. Furthermore, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy may not be equally effective for all individuals, particularly those with comorbid conditions or unique personal circumstances. Thus, while Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a highly promising treatment, it is important to tailor its implementation to address individual needs and preferences (1).
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy stands as the most effective treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder based on academic research and scholarly evidence. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy’s ability to empower individuals, address underlying cognitive distortions, and produce long-term positive outcomes make it the preferred solution for treating Social Anxiety Disorder. The significance of implementing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as the primary treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder extends beyond individual well-being. Addressing social anxiety on a societal level has numerous benefits, including improved mental health, enhanced interpersonal relationships, and increased productivity. However, it is important to acknowledge the potential limitations of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and adapt its implementation to suit individual needs. By prioritizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as a treatment modality, society can provide individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder with the necessary tools to overcome their social anxiety and lead fulfilling lives.
Works Cited
Clark DM, Wells A. A cognitive model of social phobia. In: Heimberg RG, Liebowitz MR, Hope DA, Schneider FR, editors. Social Phobia: Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. New York: Guilford Press; 1995. pp. 69–93. Accessed 17 July 2023.
Crocq, Mark Antoine. “A History of Anxiety: From Hippocrates to DSM - PMC.” National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610616/. Accessed 19 July 2023
Gelder M.G., Marks M. “A Controlled Retrospective Study of Behavior Therapy in Phobic Patients.” The British Journal of Psychiatry: The Journal of Mental Science” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14344917/. Accessed 16 July 2023.
Gordon, Joshua A. “Social Anxiety Disorder: More than Just Shyness.” National Institute of Mental Health, 2022, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness. Accessed 16 July 2023.
Hoffman, Stephan G, and Anu Asnaani. “The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-Analyses.” Cognitive Therapy and Research,” 31 July 2012, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23459093/. Accessed 18 July 2023.
Hofmann, Stefan G., and Jasper AJ Smits. "Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials." Journal of clinical psychiatry 69.4 (2008): 621. Accessed 30 July 2023.
Newby, Jill M, et al. “Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy versus Psychoeducation Control for Illness Anxiety Disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Jan. 2018, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29172593/. Accessed 18 July 2023.
Rapee, Ronald M, and Susan H Spence. “THE ETIOLOGY OF SOCIAL PHOBIA: Empirical Evidence and an Initial Model.” Clinical Psychology Review,” Nov. 2004, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15501555/. Accessed 18 July 2023
“What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?” American Psychological Association, 2017, www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral. Accessed 31 July 2023.
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