Social anxiety disorder
Marked and persistent fear of social situations where the person may be scrutinized by others. Accompanied by avoidance behavior and impaired daily functioning. SSRIs are first-line treatment.
ICD-10 F40.12 drugs
Also known as: Social phobia, Social anxiety
Drugs used for this condition
- AEscitalopramFirst line · Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Escitalopram is effective for social anxiety disorder. SSRIs are first-choice therapy per NICE and APA recommendations. Dosage is the same as for depression – 10–20 mg daily. Treatment is long-term – continue for at least 12 months after remission. Early discontinuation frequently leads to relapse.
- BMoclobemideThird line · Reversible MAO-A inhibitor (RIMA)Treats social anxiety disorder as an SSRI alternative. AEMPS backs moclobemide when patients do not tolerate first-line therapy.
How to read tiers A–F
Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.
- AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
- BRecommended in selected cases
- CStudy data contradict each other
- DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
- FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit