Treating social anxiety in adolescents : ten group therapy lesson plans

Abstract

This project provides a comprehensive overview of the research literature on social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adolescents and concludes by offering a set of 10 group therapy lesson plans for SAD that therapists can use in their practice. The overview includes a description of social anxiety disorder and highlights various theories of anxiety. The etiology of social anxiety disorder, sex and age differences in the development of anxiety, the maintenance of SAD, and the assessment of SAD are also addressed. The project devotes considerable attention to the treatment of social anxiety disorder through the use of cognitive behavioural therapy. The view that group therapy is a valid form of treatment for social anxiety disorder is advocated throughout this applied project.