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 NICE CG159. If an adult declines CBT, CBT-based supported self-help is an alternative option NICE CG159. For those who decline both cognitive behavioural and pharmacological interventions, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy specifically developed for social anxiety disorder may be considered NICE CG159. Group CBT is not routinely offered in preference to individual CBT, as it is considered less clinically and cost-effective NICE CG159.
For children and young people with social anxiety disorder, individual or group CBT focused on social anxiety is recommended NICE CG159. For young people aged 15 years and older who have the cognitive and emotional capacity, psychological interventions developed for adults can be considered NICE CG159.
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 NICE CG159.