Social phobia viewed as a problem in social functioning: a pilot study of group behavioral treatment.
Available treatments of social phobia reduce anxiety and avoidance of social situations. Social functioning however, remains relatively unaffected. This study piloted a behavioral group treatment that aimed at improving patients' individual difficulties in social functioning. Five patients fulfilling DSM-IV criteria for social phobia were selected for treatment by a 16-session behavioral group treatment focusing on improving interpersonal functioning both in specific phobic situations as well as in different spheres of social life in general. Four out of 5 patients completed treatment and showed individual patterns of clinically significant improvement. Their individual test-score results and case-histories are presented. Three patients no longer fulfilled to the diagnostic criteria at the end of treatment; the fourth--at 6 month follow-up. This was maintained at a 2 year follow-up.
Stravynski
A
A
Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Canada. ariel.stravynski@umontreal.ca
Arbel
N
N
Lachance
L
L
Todorov
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012919:Social Behavior