Effect of alcohol on social phobic anxiety

Objective: Previous research has demonstrated a greater-than-expected assoc iation between social phobia and alcohol use disorders. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that drinking alcohol reduces social phob ic anxiety. Method: Treatment-seeking individuals with social phobia (N=40) were asked to give two impromptu speeches. Twenty subjects received a plac ebo alcoholic drink before both speeches, and 20 subjects received a placeb o before the first speech, followed by a moderate dose of alcohol before th e second speech. Subjective anxiety ratings, heart rate, and cognitions rel ated to social anxiety were used as measures of anxiety. Results: Repeated measures analyses of variance yielded no significant differences in anxiety (subjective, physiological, cognitive) between the alcohol and placebo gro ups. Current and past drinking habits did not significantly alter the effec t of alcohol on anxiety. The belief that one received alcohol was significa ntly related to levels of subjective anxiety and negative cognitions. Concl usions: Alcohol does not directly reduce social phobic anxiety. The belief that one received alcohol may reduce social anxiety.