Brain function in social anxiety disorder

The study of brain function in social anxiety disorder is still at an early stage of development and sophistication. Preliminary exploration of the re gulation of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma -aminobutyric ac id neurotransmission in social anxiety has suggested the presence of subtle abnormalities. The extent and significance of these findings is subject to further investigations. There is also a need to explore further the use of challenge tests specific to social anxiety, The paradigms used to date mos tly are based on research in panic disorder, but the accumulating evidence points towards the two disorders being distinct.