Conference paper

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER: EPIDEMIOLOGY, BIOLOGY AND TREATMENT

Martin Fink ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Elena Akimova ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Christoph Spindelegger ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Andreas Hahn ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Rupert Lanzenberger ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Siegfried Kasper ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Abstract

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is considered to be one of
the most common anxiety disorders. Despite its high
prevalence, the disorder is still considerably underdiagnosed
and undertreated. SAD shows a typically early onset in
childhood or early adolescence and generally becomes
chronic. The disease places a massive burden on patients
lives, affecting not only their social interactions but also their
educational and professional activities, thereby constituting a
severe disability. Although substantial progress in the study of
the etiology of SAD has been made, no commonly accepted
model has emerged yet. Data from genetic and neuroimaging
studies point towards a contribution of several neurotransmitter
systems (i.e. norepinephrine, dopamine and
serotonin) to the pathophysiology of this disorder. Functional
magnetic resonance imaging studies have repeatedly
emphasized the central role of the amygdalae and insula in the
neural circuitry of the disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRI) are commonly accepted as first line therapy,
however other substance classes like serotonin norepineprine
reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOI), benzodiazepines and several other agents have also
proved effective. There is still a substantial lack of data on
therapeutic options in cases of non-responsive SAD as well as
on add-on therapy. A combined treatment-approach including
psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy) may prove
useful.

Keywords

anxiety disorders; social anxiety disorder; pharmacotherapy; epidemiology

Hrčak ID:

49622

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/49622

Publication date:

25.8.2009.

Article data in other languages: german

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