Science News about Social Phobia

Brain Imaging Predicts Psychotherapy Success in Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder

Science Update • February 01, 2013

Brain imaging might soon predict which treatment options would work best for patients with social phobia.

National Survey Dispels Notion that Social Phobia is the Same as Shyness

Science Update • October 17, 2011

Normal human shyness is not being confused with the psychiatric anxiety disorder known as social phobia, according to an NIMH survey comparing the prevalence rates of the two among U.S. youth.

Social Phobia Patients Have Heightened Reactions to Negative Comments

Science Update • October 22, 2008

In a study using functional brain imaging, NIMH scientists found that when people with generalized social phobia were presented with a variety of verbal comments about themselves and others ("you are ugly," or "he's a genius," for example) they had heightened brain responses only to negative comments about themselves.