Q How long does it take to get better with treatment for social phobia? I don't have to live like this forever, do I?
A Many people experience meaningful improvement within a few months of consistent treatment. Full recovery of social functioning is possible, and the earlier treatment begins, the better the prognosis.
Detailed Answer
Social phobia tends to become chronic without treatment, but when cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are combined, many people see marked improvement within 3–6 months. Rather than the symptoms disappearing completely, anxiety reduces to a manageable level and people gradually become able to face situations they previously avoided. The earlier treatment begins, the better the prognosis; even in cases where avoidance behaviors have become entrenched through long neglect, meaningful change is fully achievable with sustained effort. Maintenance management for a period after treatment ends is necessary to prevent relapse.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we take a staged approach to recovery from social phobia. The first 1–2 months focus on reducing the body's anxiety responses (palpitations, trembling, cold sweat), after which we adjust the prescription toward resolving Liver Qi Stagnation and strengthening Gallbladder Qi (膽氣) to rebuild confidence.
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