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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN

ADOLESCENTS WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

João Pedro do Valle Varela1

Luís Filipe Silva Oliveira2

Victor Edas Corteletti Pereira Lopes3

Júlia Gaspar Calzolari4

Andressa Maria Eccard André5

by an intense and persistent fear of social situations or performance, which results in signicant

distress and impairment in daily activities. Adolescents with SAD often avoid social interactions,

which can negatively aect their academic, social and emotional development. Cognitive-behavioral

therapy (CBT) has been widely recognized as an eective approach to treating SAD, oering practical

1 Metropolitan College São Carlos

2 Faculty Medicine of Campos

3 Faculdade Estácio de Sá Campus Barra da Tijuca

4 Estácio de Sá Campus College Barra da Tijuca

5 Iguaçu University Campus V

6 Federal University of Espírito Santo

strategies to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve social functioning. This abstract will explore the

eectiveness of CBT in adolescents with social anxiety disorder, highlighting the main techniques used

and the clinical outcomes observed. The aim of this paper is to review and evaluate the eectiveness

of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of adolescents with social anxiety disorder. The aim

is to analyze the main techniques of CBT, the mechanisms by which it promotes anxiety reduction

and the results of clinical studies that show its eectiveness. In addition, the challenges and specic

considerations in applying CBT to this age group will be discussed. This literature review aims to

analyze the eectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of social anxiety

in adolescents. To this end, references from relevant studies and meta-analyses were selected and

helping adolescents to identify negative automatic thoughts and replace them with more realistic

and balanced interpretations. Gradual exposure consists of exposing adolescents, in a controlled

and progressive way, to feared social situations, allowing them to face their fears and reduce the

associated anxiety response. Social skills training focuses on developing social competencies, such as

initiating and maintaining conversations, asking and answering questions, and dealing with criticism

and rejection in an assertive manner. Clinical studies have demonstrated the eectiveness of CBT in

reducing SAD symptoms in adolescents. Research indicates that adolescents who receive CBT show

a signicant decrease in levels of social anxiety, improved quality of life and greater participation in

social and school activities. For example, a study conducted by Masia Warner et al. (2005) showed

that adolescents who participated in a group CBT program had a notable reduction in social anxiety

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specic challenges. Adherence to treatment can be hampered by adolescents’ resistance to engaging in

is crucial for the generalization of therapeutic gains. Therefore, cognitive-behavioral therapy has

proven to be an eective approach for treating adolescents with social anxiety disorder. Cognitive

restructuring techniques, gradual exposure and social skills training are key to helping adolescents

overcome their fears and improve their social functioning. Clinical studies provide robust evidence that

Keywords: Mental Health; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Child and Adolescent Health.

anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (TAS) in adolescents. This disorder, characterized

by an intense and persistent fear of social situations, can cause signicant suering and functional

damage. TCC, with its focus on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors, is

widely recommended as a rst -rate treatment for the TAS. Studies show that CBT can signicantly

reduce the symptoms of social anxiety and improve the quality of life of aected adolescents (Hofmann

et al., 2012).

changes, which makes adolescents particularly vulnerable to anxiety disorders. Early intervention is

essential to prevent symptom chronication and TAS -associated losses. TCC oers practical tools to

help adolescents face and overcome their social fears, promoting healthy and self -condence. Research

indicates that CBT can provide lasting improvements, with long -term benets after treatment ending

(Albano & Dibartolo, 2007).

to the individual needs of adolescents. This includes the integration of techniques such as gradual

exposure to dreaded situations, cognitive restructuring and social skill training. Customization of

have positive eects not only on social anxiety, but also on common comorbidities such as depression,

providing comprehensive treatment (Masia Warner et al., 2005). CBT is an evidence -based approach

exposure exercises into feared social situations, allowing adolescents to face their fears in a controlled

Social anxiety and improved daily functioning (Leigh & Clark, 2016).

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social anxiety disorder often avoid social interactions, which can lead to a decit in the development

of essential social skills. CBT includes training of these skills, which helps adolescents feel more

comfortable and competent in social situations. This treatment component is crucial to increasing

self -condence and promote positive social interactions, contributing to the general improvement of

mental health and well-being (Spence & Rapee, 2016).

therapy oers an opportunity for adolescents to practice their social skills in a safe and supportive

environment while receiving feedback and encouragement from their colleagues. Research indicates

that group TCC can be as eective as individual therapy, with additional social support benets and

normalization of experiences. This type of treatment can be particularly useful in school environments,

challenges and considerations will be discussed in the application of TCC for this age group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

(CBT) in the treatment of social anxiety in adolescents. To this end, relevant studies and meta-analysis

references have been selected and reviewed, which cover various approaches and results related to the

of psychotherapy and social anxiety.

of social anxiety in adolescents.

therapy in the treatment of social anxiety in adolescents?”

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essential for healthy development. Cognitive behavioral therapy (TCC) has been eective intervention

automatic thoughts and dysfunctional beliefs that perpetuate social anxiety. Techniques such as

cognitive restructuring allow adolescents to challenge their negative assumptions and develop a more

social condence (Korte et al., 2012).

includes social skill training. This training helps adolescents develop and practice skills necessary

for successful social interactions, such as starting and maintaining conversations, asking questions

and expressing opinions. Through rolling and other interactive techniques, adolescents can gain

condence in their social skills, which is essential for reducing anxiety in social situations. The

literature indicates that social skill training is a valuable complement to CBT, improving therapeutic

results (RODEBAUGH et al., 2004).

have depressive symptoms due to social isolation and low self -esteem. CBT addresses these symptoms

behaviors associated with depression. Research shows that CBT can lead to a signicant reduction in

2009).

have become increasingly popular and aordable. These interventions oer a viable and eective

alternative to adolescents who may not have easy access to face -to -face therapists or who prefer

anonymous online therapy. Studies suggest that online TCC can be as eective as face -to -face

and evidence-based approach that addresses both anxiety and comorbidities symptoms addresses

associated, such as depression. TCC uses specic techniques such as cognitive restructuring, gradual

untied behaviors. These techniques not only reduce the symptoms of social anxiety, but also promote

self -condence and social competence, allowing adolescents to participate more fully in their daily

improvements in the symptoms of TAS in adolescents. Gradual exposure is particularly eective,

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allowing adolescents to face their fears in a controlled and systematic manner, resulting in a decrease

in the fear response associated with social situations. Social skills training, in turn, enables adolescents

with the tools necessary for successful social interactions, increasing their trust and reducing social

avoidance.

with online therapy programs showing eectiveness comparable to face -to -face therapy. These

technological interventions oer an aordable and exible alternative for adolescents facing barriers

to access to treatment, expanding the reach and viability of TCC.

adolescents, providing a solid basis for improving mental health and well-being. The continuation of

Psychopathology of adolescent social phobia. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 123(1), 50-60.

Masia Warner, C., Fisher, P. H., Shrout, P. E., Rathor, S., & Klein, R. G. (2005). Treating adolescents

with social anxiety disorder in school: An attention control trial. Journal of Child Psychology and

Psychiatry, 46(2), 142-152.