Treatment For Social Anxiety Disorder
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Do you experience a fear of meeting new people or avoiding social situations? If so, you're not alone. Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is common—it’s estimated that about 12.1% of U.S. adults experience a social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Due to its prevalence, mental health clinicians have developed a number of treatments, many of which have been extensively studied and validated by researchers.
Learn more about what treatment for social anxiety disorder can look like, as well how and why these treatments work. By understanding your options, you’ll be prepared to choose the treatment you feel most comfortable with so you can start working towards managing and overcoming your social anxiety.
Understanding social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder, sometimes called social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear or anxiety related to social situations.
People with social anxiety may feel chronic distress related to social interactions, being observed, or performing in front of others. It is typically rooted in a fear of embarrassment, judgment, or social rejection. This typically goes beyond shyness, causing reactions that are out of proportion to the threat posed by the situation.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder
While symptoms can differ between individuals, symptoms of social anxiety disorder often include:
- Extreme self-consciousness
- Preoccupation with being judged negatively
- Intense fear of talking to others, especially strangers
- Avoiding new people and social situations
- Anxiety before and during social situations
- Replaying social scenarios in your head to identify perceived mistakes or missteps
- Sweating, stuttering, shaking, or panic attacks in social situations
9 evidence-based treatment options for social anxiety disorder
These research-backed methods for treating social anxiety can help you manage your symptoms, improve social interactions, and build lasting confidence.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common therapies for addressing a variety of mental disorders, including social anxiety disorder. It works by teaching you to recognize, evaluate, and challenge distorted thoughts, a process called cognitive reframing.
Because social anxiety is rooted in negative thought patterns and coping strategies related to social interaction, cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good place to start for those seeking treatment—meta-analyses indicate that all forms of CBT may be helpful for adults struggling with social anxiety disorder.
Exposure therapy
As their confidence grows, they could progress to more challenging situations, like initiating conversations at a group meetup or engaging in deeper discussions with acquaintances. This gradual exposure can help you reduce anxiety and build social skills through repeated, positive experiences. Exposure therapy has been regarded as “the gold-standard treatment” for SAD.
Psychodynamic therapy
Some research suggests that psychodynamic therapy can be as effective as CBT for treating social anxiety. This therapy works by helping individuals uncover and understand unconscious thoughts and feelings that contribute to their anxiety.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-based stress reduction is a type of therapy that focuses on developing mindfulness through practices such as meditation and breath-focused attention. It has been found to be effective in treating other anxiety disorders, and may be helpful in managing social anxiety—people with social anxiety disorder may display greater sensitivity to stress, which could exacerbate symptoms.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Some studies have found that ACT can improve specific psychological issues in people with social anxiety disorder, enhance their ability to manage anxiety symptoms, and foster a healthier relationship with their thoughts and emotions. Additionally, ACT appears to help individuals maintain these improvements over time, although more research is needed to establish its effectiveness.
Social skills training
Group therapy
Although it may initially feel daunting, group therapy can in fact be highly beneficial for those with social anxiety. Many find it helpful to discuss their experiences with others who understand their struggles, and group therapy can be a safe space to practice new social skills and build confidence.
There is a substantial body of research to back its efficacy—studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) can lead to significant improvements in specific symptoms of social anxiety as well as overall mental health.
Self-help strategies
Lifestyle habits can make a considerable difference in how we feel on a day-to-day basis—sleep deprivation, for example, has been shown to affect socioemotional functioning, while physical activity shows promise as a way to potentially reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder and anxiety sensitivity.
Research has also identified a relationship between diet and anxiety, and—paradoxical though it may seem—between quality social connection and social anxiety symptoms. Thus, it may be helpful to address any less-than-optimal diet, exercise, or sleep habits that may be affecting your overall mental health.
Prescription medications
Certain medications may help alleviate some social anxiety symptoms, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), beta blockers, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications work by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which helps control mood and reduce anxiety.
If a qualified provider decides to prescribe medications like these, you’ll typically be advised to engage in some form of talk therapy as well—while medications can help, overcoming social anxiety typically involves a more comprehensive approach that addresses the thoughts and behaviors that interfere with your interactions with others. Medication tends to suppress symptoms, while therapy tends to address the underlying cause of symptoms in psychiatry. Both treatment options are valid and necessary for many people.
Therapy for social anxiety disorder
If you’re experiencing social anxiety, therapy can help. You can find therapists who specialize in the types of therapy treatment discussed in this article through online therapy like BetterHelp. In therapy, you’ll learn new techniques to manage your anxiety symptoms, develop healthier thought patterns, and practice social skills in a supportive environment.
Online CBT has been found to be just as effective as face-to-face therapy in treating social anxiety disorder, and may be preferable for those who find in-person appointments overwhelming. With BetterHelp, you can attend weekly therapy through live chat, phone, or video call, making it easy to get treatment in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Your BetterHelp membership also includes resources like group therapy, educational webinars, guided journaling, and digital therapy worksheets, helping you make progress faster and get the most out of your mental health investment.
Takeaway
Social anxiety disorder causes a person to experience significant distress in social situations. Fortunately, there are a number of well-founded treatments available that are known to help those who struggle with social anxiety. CBT, exposure therapy, and social skills training, among others, can help you address negative thought patterns, overcome your fears, and learn how to navigate interpersonal interactions effectively. Get started with social anxiety treatment on BetterHelp.
It can be possible to overcome this disorder, especially if you seek support from a licensed mental health professional.
What triggers social anxiety?
How do I stop feeling anxious?
Management through therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes is often effective.
In many cases, this condition can be improved through cognitive behavioral therapy or other forms of talk therapy. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and sleeping for seven to nine hours each night can also be helpful.
It’s often possible to treat social anxiety disorder without anti-anxiety medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy tends to be one of the most common and effective support options, and lifestyle changes can also make a difference for many mental health problems. Acceptance and commitment therapy may also be an option for people living with social or performance anxiety.
Do I have social anxiety, or am I just shy?
Shyness and this condition usually have a lot in common, but they may also have several differences, mainly pertaining to the intensity of the symptoms experienced.
The level of avoidance, the intensity of the fear, and the impairment that symptoms have on a person’s life can determine whether they’re simply shy or have social anxiety disorder. A mental health specialist can determine whether you may be living with a mental health disorder.
According to a 2021 study, about 50% of those who undergo social anxiety treatment experience complete remission. Professionally treating this condition is usually the best way to address it, rather than resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse and social withdrawal.
How long does this disorder last?
The experience of living with this disorder tends to differ from person to person. In general, the sooner you seek professional support, the sooner you may learn helpful coping skills and experience relief.
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