Challenges and Integrative Treatment Models Based on Acceptance and Commitment in social anxiety disorder

Difficulty in regulating emotional excitement and anxiety sensitivity are two key factors in social anxiety disorder. In examining the underlying mechanisms of the disorder, the researchers concluded that avoiding experiencing emotions, thoughts, and moving away from valuable life goals, strengthens the psychological inflexibility of the social context and behavioral functions of therapists. The aim of this study was to review the hexagonal model of psychological flexibility, compassion-based therapy, functional analytical psychotherapy and matrix therapy for acceptance and commitment to social anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders. For this purpose, in a review study, published articles on the treatment of social anxiety disorder were reviewed in Scopus databases from 1997 to 2019. What seems to be the model of treatment of acceptance and commitment and compassion therapy is effective in reducing social anxiety disorder. The results of this study support the difficulty of regulating emotional excitement and anxiety sensitivity in social anxiety disorder. It seems that avoiding experiencing emotions, thoughts, and moving away from the valuable goals of life, strengthens the psychological flexibility in the social context and behavioral functions of therapists.