Use of Audio Feedback in Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment of Social Phobia

Social Phobia involves the fear of social situation. Phobias are generally considered to be learned fears, acquired through direct conditioning, vicarious conditioning and the transmission of information or instructions. Conditioning is a form of learning during which new association develops between a stimulus and responses to that stimulus. The present case study of Mr S, 35 year old, married, male, working as a tailor, highlights the development of social phobia and use of audio feedback in cognitive behavioural treatment. Symptoms started after the comments by a relative about his appearance. He started avoiding others due to fear of comments. Slowly he started to avoid social gatherings as he would think that someone might again comment on his appearance. This fear generalized in other aspects of life as started causing occupational and interpersonal difficulties. To treat his problem twelve sessions of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy including audio feedback was used. Following cognitive behavioural management there was improvement in the symptoms and it was maintained over follow up.