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Cognitive—behavioral group treatment for social phobia: Effectiveness at five-year followup

Cognitive Therapy and Research volume 17, pages 325–339 (1993)Cite this article

Abstract

Empirical studies of the behavioral or cognitive—behavioral treatment of social phobia have appeared with increasing frequency over the last decade, and there is reason for cautious optimism in the evaluation of treatment effectiveness. However, few studies have reported systematic followup data, and there is little information available about the durability of change in treated social phobics. We report on the followup evaluation of cognitive—behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for social phobia. Patients who received CBGT or a credible alternative treatment were recontacted after a period of 4.5 to 6.25 years and completed a battery of self-report questionnaires, an individualized behavioral test, and a structured interview with an independent assessor. Patients who received CBGT remained more improved than alternative treatment patients on measures from all assessment modalities. However, due to the long followup period, only a portion of the original study sample could be assessed, and these patients may have been less severely impaired than patients who did not participate in the long-term followup. Limitations of the current study and issues of sample attrition in the conduct of long-term followup studies are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University at Albany, State University of New York, USA

    Richard G. Heimberg, Debra G. Salzman, Craig S. Holt & Karl A. Blendell

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  1. Richard G. Heimberg
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  2. Debra G. Salzman
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  3. Craig S. Holt
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  4. Karl A. Blendell
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Heimberg, R.G., Salzman, D.G., Holt, C.S. et al. Cognitive—behavioral group treatment for social phobia: Effectiveness at five-year followup. Cogn Ther Res 17, 325–339 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01177658

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01177658

Key words

  • social phobia
  • anxiety disorders
  • cognitive restructuring
  • exposure
  • followup