La terapia cognitivo-conductual como tratamiento del trastorno de ansiedad social en adolescentes: una revisión bibliográfica.

Abstract

Introduction: Social anxiety in adolescents is a highly prevalent emotional disorder that significantly interferes with their psychosocial development, limiting participation in different social and school environments and affecting academic performance and emotional and physical well-being. This condition mainly manifests as intense and persistent fear, generating avoidance behaviors and maladaptive coping strategies during adolescence, a stage characterized by physical, emotional, and social transformations. This problem has affected the construction of self-concept and personal identity. Objective: To analyze whether cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces the symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Methodology: A qualitative descriptive review was conducted using the PRISMA methodology, which enabled the search, selection, analysis, and systematization of scientific articles that evaluated CBT-based interventions aimed at adolescents with SAD. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that CBT was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, promoting emotional regulation, strengthening social skills, and preventing relapse. The techniques used were cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure, psychoeducation, and social skills training. Moderating factors such as the severity of the disorder, family support, and the cultural appropriateness of the intervention were recognized. Conclusion: CBT has established as an effective therapeutic model for treating SAD in adolescents, promoting their emotional, social, and academic adjustment and fostering healthier psychological development.