Treatment of Social Phobia in Childhood and Adolescence

Abstract

Objectives: The following article investigates the extent to which the current status of cognitive behavioral research on the treatment of socially phobic children and adolescents is reflected by the currently used guidelines for psychotherapy. Methods: The current literature on research in psychotherapy was systematically reviewed. Results: The results show the significance of single-setting treatment, of cognitive interventions, and of parental participation in the therapy. The results also show the limitations encountered if the treatment consists only of training social competence skills. Conclusions: The current treatment recommendations for socially phobic children must be supplemented and modified.