Social phobia
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to help the person function effectively. The success of the treatment usually depends upon the severity of the phobia.
Systematic desensitization is a behavioral technique used to treat phobias. It based upon having the person relax, then imagine the components of the phobia, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Graded real life exposure has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.
Social skills training may involve social contact in a group therapy situation to practice social skills. Role playing and modeling are techniques used to help the person gain comfort in relating to others in a social situation.
Antianxiety and antidepressive medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias. Dependency on the medication is a possible side effect of this treatment.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome is generally good with treatment, however the therapy drop-out rate is high.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider or mental health professional if fear is affecting your social skills or impacting relationships with others.
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