1. The Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Social Phobia Advanced General Psychology - PSY492 Melody C. Phillips 6/24/11
2. The 2 causes of social phobia Heredity Meaning the condition can be inherited with genes through DNA. A disturbing experience/Severe trauma Meaning it could be the result of one humiliating and/or traumatic incident which causes the sufferer extreme paranoia whenever a social interaction is anticipated.
3. What is social phobia? Social Phobia is defined as a profound fear of any aspect social interaction. “Social phobia is characterized by the fear of being scrutinized by other people in social or performing situations and of being evaluated negatively by them," (Manfroa, et al, 2003).
5. Panic Attacks can be triggered by certain stimuli that elicit negative responses in children and adults. Symptoms include the following: Blushing & sweating dizziness heart palpitations tense muscles dry mouth trembling nausea
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7. The disorder typically begins in childhood or early adolescence and rarely develops after age 25.
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9. Characteristics of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy “CBT is based on changing the thoughts and feelings of people internally rather than depending on external surroundings, like people, events or circumstances,” (Vyas, 2011). CBT is considered to be the most fast pace form of therapy and is concluded only when both parties (therapist and client) are content with the results by observing the degree of improvement and the client’s ability to function at full capacity on his or her own. Homework for clients: The clients are asked to implement the skills and techniques which are taught to them during the therapy sessions. Without practicing them the client cannot overcome his/her problem. Establishing a good rapport between client and therapist.
10. Advantages of CBT “group cognitive-behavioral therapy comparative to individual therapy include members sharing the same difficulty, amplified chances for in vivo exposure, direct evidence against cognitive distortions, public commitment to change, and vicarious learning,” (Lígia M Ito, 2008). The preventative measures and maintenance to avoid panic attacks (i.e. stress and relaxation techniques, extinction, etc.) and/or other dilapidating behavior
11. Disadvantages of CBT people with social phobia have the tendency to also fear evaluation because they are sensitive to the criticism or comments of others so group therapy would be counterproductive to some. Fear of ridicule and humiliation keeps some people suffering from this condition from seeking help.
12. Strengths of CBT for social phobia Children can be trained to neutralize their inner thoughts and emotions toward any adverse stimuli at an earlier age so that when they become adults, it will not affect them as badly. Those that are afflicted can be taught to decipher the neutral factor in any given situation. The quantitative approach would be more beneficial because its research design has the descriptive aspect that expresses the relationships between variables.
13. Weaknesses of CBT for social phobia CBT can be time sensitive because after a person has been weighed down by social phobia for so long, it may reach the point of no return. The disadvantages listed before apply also. Fear and ridicule keep persons from seeking help Sensitivity to criticism Gaining a person’s trust with affliction is very difficult.
14. References Lígia M Ito, 1. M. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy in social phobia. Rev Bras Psiquiatr;30(Suppl II) , S96-101. Shyness & Social Anxiety Treatment Australia . (2011). Social Phobia Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from Shyness and Social Anxiety Treatment Australia: http://www.socialanxietyassist.com.au/social_phobia.shtml Vyas, M. (2011). Characteristics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from ezinearticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?Characteristics-of-Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy&id=3594858
Editor's Notes
Social phobia can stem from heredity or disturbing experience causing the sufferer to be self conscious about individuality. This trauma can be introduced during childhood which will eventually affect them as and after they become adults. This affects their day to day lives and cripples them socially as well as professionally.
A person suffering from this sickness may never know their full potential as a contributor to society because of these deep rooted fears of rejection, isolation, and not being accepted by their peers and/or superiors brought on by deep seeded trauma.
“The studied population comprised 24 patients, 45.8% (n=11) men and 54.1% (n=13) women. A family history of any psychiatric disorder was found in 79.1% (n=19) of patients, with a family history of social phobia in 41.6% (n=10) of our sample,” (Manfroa, Isolana, Blayaa, Maltza, Heldta, & Pollackb, 2003).
Panic attacks are also known as anxiety attacks. These “fits” can be very debilitating. One symptom that is not mentioned is hyperventilating. I have an anxiety disorder which triggers an panic attack when I am under extreme pressure.
Statistics on commonality expressed how this condition can effect anyone at any given time considering how they cope with any stressor that reinforces a traumatic social phenomenon.
There is a preliminary evaluation that the patient must undergo to measure severity and to help assign the proper treatment. “disease course, onset and duration; family history, including biological diathesis; family and school experience; social, affective, and sexual relationships; physiological, cognitive and behavioral symptoms; identification of co morbidities; need for psychiatric assessment and use of drugs; triggering situations of symptoms and their degree of interference and impairment in the individual’s life; environmental factors and family influence; and preexisting social skills, (Lígia M Ito, 2008).”
This article expressed the attributes of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and the impact of it on people with Social Phobia. This article contributes to our knowledge of a more effective means to help those with this affliction.
The experimental study of the quantitative approach explains causality which states the reasoning behind the results gathered. This is a distinct way for a person with this problem to be more exploratory about their environment, their perception of stimuli, and how to communicate their thought processes efficiently.
