Problematic Internet Use among Persons with Social Anxiety Disorder
Article summary provided by Hillary Greene THE MAIN POINT: Social anxiety disorder might be a risk factor for developing problematic internet use, often called ‘internet addiction,’ and some findings suggest that problematic internet use may serve to worsen or reinforce social fears and avoidance of face-to-face social interactions (Lee & Stapinski, 2012). Families and supporters READ MORE »
Social Anxiety and Substance Use: A review of “Specificity of Social Anxiety Disorder as a Risk Factor for Alcohol and Cannabis Dependence”
Article summary provided by Kathryn Zumberg THE MAIN POINT: In a recent study, Buckner et al. (2008) examined whether a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder among adolescents is a specific risk factor for the development of alcohol and/or cannabis use disorders in adulthood. As expected, the authors found that social anxiety disorder, but not anxiety READ MORE »
Social Anxiety and Substance Use: A review of “Specificity of Social Anxiety Disorder as a Risk Factor for Alcohol and Cannabis Dependence”
Article summary provided by Kathryn Zumberg THE MAIN POINT: In a recent study, Buckner et al. (2008) examined whether a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder among adolescents is a specific risk factor for the development of alcohol and/or cannabis use disorders in adulthood. As expected, the authors found that social anxiety disorder, but not READ MORE »
Understanding the Differences Between Research Trials and What Treatment May Be Like for Your Loved One
Article summary provided by Kathryn Zumberg THE MAIN POINT: Treatment studies are great resources to aid you in learning more about potential treatment options for your loved one who may be struggling with social anxiety disorder; however, there are large differences between research studies examining treatment and the actual treatment that occurs in clinical READ MORE »
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Social Anxiety
Article summary provided by Kathryn Zumberg THE MAIN POINT: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a structured program that combines meditation practices, such as sitting and walking mediation, and yoga in order to change suffering associated with mental disorders, stress, and chronic diseases (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Evidence suggests that this brief program may provide some relief to READ MORE »
How Assertiveness Skills Can Help You to Combat Your Social Fears
Article summary provided by Hillary Greene THE MAIN POINT: People with social anxiety often struggle to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs to others, including being able to say ‘no’ to a request, being able to cope with criticism, or being able to communicate effectively in daily social situations. Increasing your assertiveness skills by READ MORE »
The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale: A useful tool for clinicians working with those struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder
Article summary provided by Kathryn Zumberg THE MAIN POINT: The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale is a well-validated measure that can be used to screen clients for social anxiety disorder and measure their progress while in treatment. Details about the measure and uses are discussed below. As a reminder, always remember to interpret clinical measures READ MORE »
Motivational Enhancement Therapy: How to increase treatment use and engagement for persons with social anxiety disorder
VIDEO SUMMARY: Article summary provided by Hillary Greene THE MAIN POINT: Despite high levels of distress and impairment, individuals with social anxiety disorder often do not seek available treatment options or may struggle to engage if in treatment. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to know how to increase individuals’ motivation for change and willingness READ MORE »
The Important Role of Parents and Peers in Childhood Social Anxiety
Article summary provided by Hillary Greene THE MAIN POINT: Childhood social anxiety does not exist in isolation. Parental factors (e.g., parental anxiety, parental rejection) and peer factors (e.g., social support, validation) are associated significantly with childhood anxiety. Understanding the connections among parental and peer factors and childhood social anxiety can help families to seek appropriate READ MORE »
Research on Seeking Treatment for Social Anxiety
THE MAIN POINT: There is a huge, unmet need for treatment of social anxiety. More than half of individuals suffering from social anxiety do not obtain treatment for their condition. Of those who do obtain treatment, less than half of those are obtaining minimally adequate treatment. THE DETAILS: Philip Wang, MD., PhD., a researcher at READ MORE »
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