Psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder: long-term effectiveness of resource-oriented cognitive-behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy in social anxiety disorder

J Clin Psychol. 2012 Jun;68(6):581-91. doi: 10.1002/jclp.21842. Epub 2012 Mar 30.

Abstract

Objective: Resource-oriented cognitive-behavioral therapy (ROCBT) and cognitive therapy (CT) have been shown to be effective treatments for social anxiety disorder. However, so far few studies have examined the long-term effectiveness of these treatments. Thus, there is little information available about the durability of change in treated patients with social anxiety disorder.

Design: This study examined the effectiveness of both treatments at 2-year and 10-year follow-up assessments. Patients who received ROCBT or CT were re-contacted after 2 (n = 51), and 10 years (n = 27), respectively, and completed a battery of self-report questionnaires.

Results: Treatment gains were maintained over the 2-year follow-up on all measures. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement on 2 social anxiety measures between posttreatment and the 10-year follow-up. ROCBT and CT did not differ in overall effectiveness.

Conclusion: The results suggest that both treatments are effective and durable approaches in the treatment of social anxiety disorder.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phobic Disorders / therapy*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome