Which psychological therapies are recommended for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder?

For adults with social anxiety disorder, the primary recommended psychological therapy is individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically developed for social anxiety disorder, based on either the Clark and Wells model or the Heimberg model ¹. If an adult declines CBT, CBT-based supported self-help is an alternative option ¹. For those who decline both cognitive behavioural and pharmacological interventions, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy specifically developed for social anxiety disorder may be considered ¹. Group CBT is not routinely offered in preference to individual CBT, as it is considered less clinically and cost-effective ¹.

For children and young people with social anxiety disorder, individual or group CBT focused on social anxiety is recommended ¹. For young people aged 15 years and older who have the cognitive and emotional capacity, psychological interventions developed for adults can be considered ¹.

It is important to note that mindfulness-based interventions (including mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) and supportive therapy are not routinely recommended for the treatment of social anxiety disorder ¹.