Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as an Effective Treatment for Social Anxiety, Perfectionism, and Rumination

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as an Effective Treatment for Social Anxiety, Perfectionism, and Rumination

This randomized, controlled trial study was designed to examine the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) on social anxiety, perfectionism, and rumination among individuals diagnosed with social anxiety in Tehran, Iran.

A total of 52 individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) (68% female, mean age = 35.67) were allocated to a CBT group or to a control group. The intervention group was given one session of therapy per week over a duration of 8 weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention and was placed on a waiting list. Self-reported social anxiety, perfectionism, and rumination were measured before the CBT intervention, after the intervention, and two months after the intervention for both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants formally diagnosed with SAD by psychologists who determined the individual meet criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Exclusion Criteria:

• If participants report a history of psychiatric disorders within the past 12 months such as schizophrenia, dementia, depression, alcohol and other drug addiction.
• Participants could not partake if they were pregnant
• Participants enroll in another psychological treatment program.