TREATMENT OF SOCIAL ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENTS

This paper describes a new cognitive behavioral group treatment program for social phobia in adolescents (CBGT-A). Based upon empirically validated methods of treating shy adolescents and adults with social phobia, CBGT-A was developed to meet the needs of adolescents with social phobia between the ages of 13 and 17. In this paper, the diagnosis and phenomenology of social phobia is described, with emphasis on the expression of the disorder in youth. Comorbid conditions and behavioral concomitants unique to adolescents are described, so that clinicians may attend to the particular presentation of the disorder in this population. The CBGT-A program is described in detail and illustrated with case examples. Attention is given to the role of parents in the treatment process. Potential obstacles to successful treatment are defined and suggestions for managing these difficult clinical situations are offered.