The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines are evidence-based recommendations designed to help improve the quality of care across the UK’s health and social care systems. These guidelines provide clear, practical advice to healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, and policymakers on how to deliver the best care based on the latest research and clinical evidence. These are guidelines the NHS has to follow.
NICE guidelines cover a wide range of topics, including clinical care, public health, social care and technology assessments (including new treatments, medicines and medical devices). They are reviewed and updated regularly.
By using NICE guidelines, professionals can ensure that the care they provide is both effective and efficient, leading to better health outcomes for individuals and communities.
The NICE guidelines recommended treatment options for adults with social anxiety are outlined briefly below:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a therapist. The NICE Guidance states this is “the first treatment you should be offered”. The NHS webpage states “CBT is generally considered the best treatment, but other treatments may help if it does not work or you do not want to try it.” – see our page What is CBT.
• CBT-based supported self-help (sometimes called guided self-help). This involves working through a CBT-based workbook or online course with regular support from a professional (please note this option may not be available in all regions and can depend on your NHS service).
• Medication. This is usually a type of medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as escitalopram or sertraline – see our page Medication.
• Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. For those that decide not to have CBT, CBT-based supported self-help or medication, you may be offered a psychological therapy called short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. We elaborate on this further on our psychological glossary page (please note this option may not be available in all regions and can depend on your NHS service).
• Self-help. Whilst only mentioned in the NICE Guidance as “CBT-based supported self-help”, self-help is specifically mentioned within the NHS social anxiety webpage. Please also see our page on self-help. where we also talk about the differences between guided self-help and self-help.
Some people need to try a combination of the different treatments mentioned in order to find what works best for them. If you want to hear more about any of these, or feel like your current treatment is not working, please get in touch with your GP.
You can read more at NICE Social Anxiety Public Guidance and there are further recommendations for support and guidance at NHS Social Anxiety Webpage
For children and young adults
Please note children and young adults have different NICE recommendations for treatment of social anxiety. Please see the relevant sections within NICE Social Anxiety Public Guidance and NICE Clinical Guidance for Healthcare Professionals.
