Predictor of Social Anxiety Disorder in Adolescence

A new study found that early behavioral inhibition reported by mothers predicted an increased risk of a social anxiety disorder diagnosis during adolescence, suggesting important implications for the early identification and prevention. (Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2009; 48(9): 928-935)
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Genetic Risk for Anxiety Not Destiny

A new study challenges the view that people with particular genotypes are at greater risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and problems with alcohol and substance abuse. This study suggests that other features of the social environment influence development, and that genes that affect behavioral responses are sensitive to these influences. (Biological Psychiatry; 2009: 65(9): 770-777)
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Attention Training Effective for Social Anxiety Disorder and GAD

Two studies of attention training showed that it alleviated social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder as effectively as cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) and anti-anxiety medication had in earlier investigations. Attention training helps subjects practice how not to focus on threatening words or on photos of threatening faces. Unlike CBT or medication, attention training requires minimal professional supervision, causes no side effects, and could be completed over the Internet. (Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 2009;118(1):5–14)
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Social Anxiety Disorder as a Risk Factor for Alcohol Use Disorders

Researchers testing social anxiety disorder as a risk factor for alcohol abuse disorder have found that the disorders are related among women. Findings also highlight in women the roles of social anxiety disorder and familial support in the onset of alcohol abuse disorder. (Drug and Alcohol Dependence, v.100, issues 1-2, 1 February 2009: 128-137)
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People With Social Phobia Greatly Affected by Disturbing Images

People with social phobia (social anxiety disorder) react more negatively to disturbing socially threatening images, such as scowling faces or a riot scene, than do people without this disorder. A recent study shows that socially phobic individuals had difficulty regulating negative feelings with cognitive controls. (Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009; 66(2):170-180)
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