Therefore, cognitive therapy is added, designed to alter their thinking about themselves and their social abilities. Cognitive therapy examines people's expectations of social situations and perceptions of their own performance. Typically the individual with social phobia exaggerates others' competence and expectations while belittling his own. This therapy is intended to help the individual with social phobia learn to separate realistic from unrealistic assumptions. Training in social skills may support cognitive therapy and exposure by boosting confidence levels.
Medication is sometimes useful in easing the core symptoms of social phobias.
Individuals whose anxiety is triggered by just a few predictable situations may be helped by taking medication about an hour before a feared event. Those with more pervasive or less predictable anxiety may do better with medication that is administered daily. See our section on medications for general information.