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Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Neuropsychological evaluation of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) involves assessing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects related to social anxiety symptoms. The evaluation typically begins with a detailed clinical interview conducted with parents and the individual to gather information about the individual's psychiatric history, including the onset and course of social anxiety symptoms, functional impairments, comorbid conditions, and any relevant psychosocial factors. The interview may also explore specific social situations or triggers that provoke anxiety. Depending on the age of the patient, self-report questionnaires or rating scales designed to assess the severity of social anxiety symptoms, avoidance behaviors, fear of negative evaluation, and related constructs such as self-consciousness and embarrassment may be completed.

 

Neuropsychological tests are used to evaluate cognitive functioning, including attention, memory, executive functions, and information processing. Individuals with SAD may exhibit processing styles that contribute to their symptoms. The clinician may observe the individual's behavior during the assessment, looking for signs of social anxiety symptoms such as avoidance behaviors, excessive self-monitoring, or physiological signs of anxiety (e.g., trembling, blushing). The results of the evaluation are integrated to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral profile in the context of social anxiety. This information guides treatment planning and may inform the selection of evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, social skills training, and pharmacotherapy. Research studies have reported varying prevalence rates of social anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents, ranging from 3 to 12% depending on the study.

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