CONSENSUS STATEMENT ON SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER FROM THE INTERNATIONALCONSENSUS GROUP ON DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Objective: The goal of this consensus statement is to provide primary care clinicians with abetter understanding of management issues in soc ial anxiety disorder (social phobia) and guide clinical practice with recommendations for appropriate pharmacotherapy. Participants: The 4 m embers of the International Consensus Group on Depression and Anxiety were James C. Ballenger (chair), Jonathan R. T. Davidson, Yves Lecrubi er, and David J. Nutt. Other faculty invited by the chair were Julio B obes, Deborah C. Beidel, Yukata One, and Herman G. M. Westenberg. Evid ence: The consensus statement is based on the 7 review papers publishe d in this supplement and on the scientific literature relevant to the issues reviewed in these papers. Consensus process: The group met over a 2-day period. On day 1, the group discussed each review paper, and the chair identified key issues for further debate. On day IL, the gro up discussed these issues to arrive at a consensus view. After the gro up meetings, the consensus statement was drafted by the chair and appr oved by all attendees. Conclusions: The consensus statement underlines the importance of recognizing social anxiety disorder and provides re commendations on how it may be distinguished from other anxiety disord ers. It proposes definitions for response and remission and considers appropriate management strategies. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibi tors are recommended as first-line therapy, and effective treatment sh ould be continued for at least 12 months, Long-term treatment is indic ated if symptoms are unresolved, the patient has a comorbid condition or a history of relapse, or there was an early onset of the disorder.