Brain Scans to Predict Social Anxiety Treatment Response

Researchers are trying to understand why some people with social anxiety respond well to therapy while others need additional help. This study uses brain imaging (MRI and EEG scans) and therapy to identify brain patterns that predict who will benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (a proven talk therapy) and who might need to add sertraline (a common anxiety medication) to get better results.

Not everyone improves with the same treatment approach for social anxiety. By studying brain patterns before and after treatment, researchers hope to develop a tool that can predict in advance which people will need additional medication alongside therapy, so doctors can personalize care from the start.