Date of Award
Spring 5-12-2023
Document Type
Project (696 or 796 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Counseling
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Jessica Brown
Keywords
Social Anxiety Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medication
Abstract
Social anxiety is characterized by considerable anxiety or fear in social situations where one could be negatively perceived by others (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). Social anxiety has two subtypes which include complex and speaking subtypes (Sareen et al., 2006). SAD is often undiagnosed as well as untreated, and interventions do not work for 30-40% of individuals with social anxiety (Stein & Stein, 2008). Social anxiety is related to reduced quality of life, quality of friendship, employment, socioeconomic status, efficiency at work, and welfare (APA, 2022). At present, mental health of people in the United States is being impacted by our public health crisis/COVID-19 (Fitzpatrick et al., 2020). SAD co-occurs with affective, anxiety, substance abuse, bipolar, and eating disorders as well as avoidant personality disorder (Chartier et al., 2003; Kaye et al., 2004; APA, 2022). Research indicates there are many psychosocial and pharmacological treatments that are efficacious for SAD, particularly CBT and medications (Saeed, 2009). CBT includes cognitive restructuring, social skills training, psychoeducation, exposure therapy (in vivo or imaginal), and relaxation strategies (Huppert et al., 2003; Saeed, 2009). Medications include SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, and others (Saeed, 2009). This training has been developed to educate mental health professionals on effective treatment for SAD.
Recommended Citation
Mathis, Rachel, "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Medication Psychoeducation for Adults with Social Anxiety: Training for Mental Health Professionals" (2023). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 769.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/769