Treatment of social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents

Authors

  • Luciano Isolan Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
  • Gabriel Pheula Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
  • Gisele Gus Manfro Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832007000300004

Keywords:

Social anxiety disorder, social phobia, children, adolescents, treatment

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Social anxiety disorder is a debilitating, highly prevalent disorder in children and adolescents with lifetime prevalence rates, according to DSM-IV criteria, ranging from 0.7% to 3.5%. If left untreated, it can interfere with emotional, social, and school functioning. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current evidence for efficacy and effectiveness of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents. METHODS: Searches were undertaken through PubMed, Lilacs, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library until august 2006, using the terms "social anxiety disorder" OR "social phobia" AND "child*" AND "adolesc*". RESULTS: Several treatment modalities, including psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments have been proposed for the treatment of this disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy, mainly with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are the treatments of choice for social anxiety disorder in this age. CONCLUSION: Although several treatments have been proposed, further studies are necessary to improve outcomes in affected children and adolescents with social anxiety disorder.

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Published

2007-01-01

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 3 (2007)

Section

Reviews of Literature

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Treatment of social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents . (2007). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 34(3), 125-132. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832007000300004