Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is treated with counseling. Medicines may or may not be needed. For some people, using both may work better. You will also learn how to control how you react to stress in social settings. Work with your care team and let them know about any changes right away. Treatment can be changed based on your needs.
If you have other health issues, such as other anxiety disorders, or problems with alcohol or drug use, they will need to be treated as well.
SAD is treated with:
MedicationsOther treatments—therapyReferences
Social anxiety disorder. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115906/Social-anxiety-disorder . Updated September 21, 2018. Accessed February 26, 2019.
Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml. Accessed February 26, 2019.
Social phobia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/social-phobia. Updated July 2018. Accessed February 26, 2019.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
- Review Date: 12/2018
- Update Date: 02/26/2019