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 anxiety and avoidance reduction; the repercussions in terms of social functioning, 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 and 59 a I-year follow-up. Treatment was administered in small groups, 14 sessions altogether. Results: No clinically meaningful change was observed during the waiting period. A statistically significant and equivalent improvement obtained in both 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 patients no longer fulfilled criteria for social phobia at the end of 1-year follow-up.