Treating adolescents with social anxiety disorder in school: an attention control trial.
BACKGROUND
Anxiety disorders are often undetected and untreated in adolescents. This study evaluates the relative efficacy of a school-based, cognitive-behavioral intervention compared to an educational-supportive treatment for adolescents with social anxiety disorder.


METHODS
Thirty-six students (30 females), ages 14 to 16, were randomized to a 12-week specific intervention, Skills for Social and Academic Success (SASS), or a credible attention control matched for structure and contact, conducted in school.


RESULTS
Independent evaluations and adolescent self-reports indicated significant reduction in social anxiety for SASS compared to the control group. Parent reports of their children's social anxiety did not discriminate between treatments. In the specific intervention, 59%, compared to 0% in the control, no longer met criteria for social anxiety disorder following treatment. Superiority of the SASS intervention was maintained 6 months after treatment cessation.


CONCLUSIONS
The study provides evidence that intervention for social anxiety disorder that emphasizes exposure and social skills is efficacious. Results indicate that clinical improvement is sustained for at least 6 months, and that, overall, adolescents with social anxiety disorder do not respond to non-specific treatment. This investigation has public health implications by demonstrating that effective interventions can be transported to nonclinical settings.
Masia Warner
Carrie
C
New York University School of Medicine, Child Study Center, USA. carrie.masia@med.nyu.edu
Fisher
Paige H
PH
Shrout
Patrick E
PE
Rathor
Snigdha
S
Klein
Rachel G
RG
D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D015588:Observer Variation; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012572:School Health Services; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires