Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder: A Case Study of a 14-Year-Old

Abstract

The following is a de-identified case study that presents the treatment process and outcome for a 14-year-old female with social anxiety disorder (SAD). To maintain confidentiality “Emily” will be used in lieu of the client’s real name. Emily presented for treatment after moving to a new state and struggling to make friends at her new school. Emily’s goals for treatment were to feel more comfortable in social situations, increase motivation to make friends, and learn coping skills for her anxiety. This case study reviews the scientific literature to provide theoretically grounded conceptualizations of the etiology and maintenance of SAD, reports psychometric properties of diagnostic assessments used in differential diagnosis and to track treatment progress, and describes empirical evidence in support of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat SAD in adolescents. Following an overview of how the elements of CBT are employed to treat SAD, the components of CBT used in Emily’s treatment are discussed, which included multiple diagnostic assessments, psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy. This case study concludes with a complete transcript of one entire session, followed by a self-critique of this therapist’s strengths and weaknesses.