According to a recent study published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) effectively reduces symptoms of generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) and improves quality of life among Japanese patients for up to a year post-treatment. The present study aimed to identify the long-term efficacy and predictors of group CBT among patients diagnosed with SAD in a naturalistic setting in Japan. From July 2003 to August 2010, outpatient participants (n=113) received 12-20 group-based CBT sessions and were assessed at 1-year follow up points. The researchers then compared treatment completers to those who had dropped out. According to results, group-based CBT significantly reduced symptoms of SAD among patients, and these improvements were maintained for up to one year post-treatment.
Kawaguchi, A, Watanabe, N, Nakano, Y, et al. (2013). Group cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with generalized social anxiety disorder in japan: Outcomes at 1-year follow up and outcome predictors. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 9, 267-275.