Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder: A Case Study of a 31-Year-Old
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Author
Day, Kimberly
Publisher
Washburn University
Sponsor
Psychology Department
Issue Date
Rights
Alternative Title
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.
Description
An Empirically Supported Treatment Case Study