Social phobia treated as a problem in social functioning: a controlled comparison of two behavioural group approaches

Objective: Treatments for social phobia result typically in significant anx iety and avoidance reduction; the repercussions in terms of social function ing, however, are not clear. This controlled study compared two approaches designed to improve the social functioning of social phobics. Method: Sixty-eight socially phobic patients were randomly assigned to two treatments focused on improving interpersonal relationships either with or without social skills training or a waiting list; 60 completed treatment an d 59 a I-year follow-up. Treatment was administered in small groups, 14 ses sions altogether. Results: No clinically meaningful change was observed during the waiting pe riod. A statistically significant and equivalent improvement obtained in bo th treatment conditions. Conclusion: Both treatments resulted in reduced anxiety, avoidance, general psychopathology and better social functioning that maintained over follow- up. Continuing improvement in remission rates was noted; fully 60% of the p atients no longer fulfilled criteria for social phobia at the end of 1-year follow-up.