Social Anxiety Disorder as a Densely Interconnected Network of Fear and Avoidance for Social Situations

This study is the first to provide evidence that SAD can be conceptualized as a densel y interconnected network of fear and avoidance of social situations. Our results are consistent with the network theory of mental disorders that regards networks with strong between-symptom connections as more pathogenic than similar networks with weaker connections. As prior studies indicated that overall network connectivity can predict the course of mental disorders, our findings set the scene for novel indicators of SAD prognosis.
Source: Cognitive Therapy and Research - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research