American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the first-line therapy for patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder?

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

3. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine

4. Both B and C

The correct answer is: Both B and C

The first-line therapy for social anxiety disorder encompasses both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including venlafaxine. SSRIs, such as paroxetine and sertraline, are widely recognized for their efficacy in treating anxiety disorders, owing to their ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can alleviate anxiety symptoms. On the other hand, venlafaxine, an SNRI, is also effective in addressing the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to reductions in anxiety and improvements in mood. This combined approach recognizes that both medication classes are appropriate first-line treatments; thus, determining that multiple pharmacological options exist for treating social anxiety disorder aligns with current clinical guidelines. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the importance of recognizing the variety of first-line therapies available for this mental health condition.