THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Do you feel unusually anxious in social situations?
Do you worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself in front of others?
Are you overly concerned that others may think badly of you?
If so, you may be experiencing social anxiety.
Social anxiety is characterized by a fear of social and/or performance situations, in which individuals are concerned that they may do something to embarrass or humiliate themselves, or that they will be negatively evaluated by others. Most people will experience social anxiety at some point in their lives. For some people, however, these fears are so intense and persistent that they result in significant distress and interference. These individuals may meet the diagnostic criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Although this distress can be associated with a specific situation, such as having to give a formal speech, individuals with Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder fear a wide range of social situations. These situations can include having to initiate or maintain a conversation, speaking in meetings or in classes, or going to a party. These fears can lead to considerable impairment in daily routine, social activities, relationships, and occupational or academic functioning.
Researchers in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are offering a free psychological treatment program, as part of a research study, for individuals suffering from Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder. The program is based on a cognitive-behavioural approach to treatment. Treatment is offered in a group format, consisting of 14 sessions over a 4 ½-month period. Interested individuals will be asked to complete a brief phone interview and comprehensive in-person assessment in order to determine participant eligibility for the program. Information obtained during the assessment and treatment will also be used for research purposes to help further our understanding of social anxiety.
This program is suitable for individuals between 20 and 55 years of age, who are fluent in English, and who have a primary diagnosis of Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder. Interested individuals may contact the UBC Interpersonal Lab for more information about the program at 604-822-5047 or sadstudy@psych.ubc.ca.