This perspective states that social anxiety disorder is caused by biological factors such as the imbalance of neurotransmitters. There are drug therapies available as treatments options for social anxiety disorder. One specific drug therapy that has been researched is that of venlafaxine extended release (ER) in low or high doses. Venlafaxine ER is a dual action serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA for treating social anxiety disorder. Research has found that there is no significant differences in low or high doses regarding response and remission rates to venlafaxine ER (Stein, Pollack, Bystritsky, Kelsey, & Mangano, 2005). In comparison to the other psychological perspectives, there is a potential risk factor to using drug therapies as a treatment option. Withdrawals due to adverse events have been found to occur when an individual was taking venlafaxine …show more content…
One such non-traditional treatment is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), which focuses on the development of flexible, nonjudgmental, and present-moment attentional focus. This allows for an individual to reduce the reoccurring inclination to engage and react in fear or anxiety of social situations. Treatment focuses on eight sessions of 2.5 hour group classes, a one day meditation retreat, and daily home practice (Jazaieri, Goldin, Werner, Ziv, & Gross, 2012). Another non-traditional treatment for social anxiety disorder is aerobic exercise. Physical exercise is associated with improved well-being, physical and mental health. Individuals in this treatment are provided with a two month gym membership and are subsequently asked to complete self-reports at the conclusion of the gym membership regarding the symptoms of their social anxiety (Jazaieri, Goldin, Werner, Ziv, & Gross, 2012). Research on both MBSR and aerobic exercise have been found to have significant changes in social anxiety symptoms and well-being. Based upon the research conducted on the treatments for social anxiety disorder, it could be said that cognitive-behavioral therapy would be the best treatment option. Based upon the research conducted by Bögels, Wijts, Oort, and Sallaerts (2014), 54 percent of the 49 participantes