How to cure social phobia
Disease description:
My son has always been afraid of people and avoids crowded places. I suspect he may have social phobia. He usually prefers to be alone. I would like to ask how this condition is generally treated through psychological counseling or therapy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is mainly treated through three approaches: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and physical therapy.
1. Pharmacotherapy: Clinically, anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants are commonly used. Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, and antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can effectively alleviate symptoms. Medication should be administered under a physician's guidance, with dosages and treatment durations adjusted according to individual conditions.
2. Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the preferred form of psychotherapy. It includes exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, and social skills training. CBT helps patients gradually adapt to social situations and reduces fear and anxiety by modifying their distorted cognitions and behavioral patterns. Additionally, supportive psychotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, and Morita therapy can also be effective.
3. Physical therapy: Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and multi-parameter biofeedback therapy can be used as adjunctive treatments.
