Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder: A Case Study of a 31-Year-Old

Abstract

The following is a de-identified case study that presents the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Names and other identifying information have been changed to protect the client’s privacy with the name “Lilly” used in lieu of the client’s real name. At the time of treatment, this 31-year-old African American woman was struggling with building and maintaining friendships, maintaining conversation, assertiveness, and a fear of public speaking. In addition, Lilly noted difficulty being herself in social situations due to her social anxiety. Lilly was administered the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS-5) and various self-report measures to aid in diagnosis and track treatment progress. A combination of a primary diagnosis of SAD with a secondary diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was determined to most accurately capture the client’s presenting symptoms. The client attended 20 treatment sessions involving assessment, psychoeducation, self-monitoring, in-vivo exposures, grief and loss strategies, and termination. Pre-to-post as well as ongoing assessment suggests Lilly experienced meaningful reductions in symptom severity following treatment of SAD with CBT. Importantly, Lilly noted living a life more consistent with her values (e.g., family and being herself) due to the reduction of SAD symptoms and avoidance.