The Effect of Korean-Type Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder / 신경정신의학

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Korean-type cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with SAD completed the Korean-type CBGT for SAD. The Korean-type CBGT for SAD is characterized by Korean-culture specific methods such as paradoxical intention, video feedback, and Korean cultural receptivity process on the classical CBGT course. The main outcome measure was a self-report version of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS-SR). RESULTS: After the treatment, the total score on the LSAS-SR had significantly improved (15.80+/-29.14, p=0.006, cohen's d=0.69), with both fear and avoidance subscales decreased (7.60+/-13.94, p=0.006 vs. 8.30+/-16.31, p=0.009, respectively). We also found significant correlation between the effect of the Korean-type CBGT (r=0.414, p=0.026) and the educational level of subjects. Accompanying pharmacotherapy for SAD did not elicit any differences in the treatment response. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the Korean-type CBGT was effective in the treatment of SAD patients in reducing both fear and avoidance symptoms.