Strategies for Social Anxiety

• GPs and health professionals will usually offer cognitive behavioural therapy or medication for the management of social anxiety
• Cognitive behavioural therapy has been found to be an effective and useful treatment in reducing or managing social anxiety for autistic people
• Anti-depressants are the medication usually prescribed for social anxiety. While they are safe and may be helpful for some, there is little research on their effectiveness for autistic people and social anxiety.
• The research charity "Autistica" in partnership with King's College London have developed a free app called "Molehill Mountain" designed specifically for autistic people to help manage and understand social anxiety.

Social situations can make anyone feel anxious, however, some autistic people find social situations particularly stressful.

Currently, in the UK, the recommended treatment and support offered for social anxiety is either cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication.

In addition to this, some people may find certain self-help techniques helpful in reducing or managing their social anxiety.

One of the most widely used therapies for the treatment and management of anxiety is also a treatment option used for alcohol and drug addiction, CBT.

CBT is delivered by a trained therapist and is a type of talking therapy that is tailored to each individual's needs. CBT involves the therapist and individual discussing thoughts and feelings on particular aspects of social interaction and anxiety. The therapist can then help to develop practical strategies for the individual to remedy these thoughts and feelings.

Research has found that CBT is useful and effective in managing and reducing social anxiety for autistic people.

Access to CBT can be achieved through the same methods for getting help with alcohol or drugs, through referral by a GP or through self-referral to psychological services.

A GP or other health professional may offer medication for anxiety. Usually, the medication offered is an antidepressant.

While antidepressants are considered safe and are useful for some people, there is not much research on whether it is suitable specifically for autistic people and anxiety.

However, medication can help some people and is a viable option. Medication given will always be monitored by a GP in order to continually assess whether it is working.

It is worth noting that antidepressants are not considered to be addictive. This is because it doesn’t produce the same instant pleasurable feelings that other drugs and alcohol do.

There are lots of self-help apps on managing and assessing anxiety, but they are usually targeted towards the general population.

However, the research charity “Autistica” and the University “King’s College London”, have developed a free app specifically for autistic people to track, assess and manage their anxiety.

The app called, “Molehill Mountain”, is based on the principles of CBT. The purpose of this app is to help autistic people to recognise, understand and manage their anxiety by writing down their feelings and worries. The app also includes exercises and activities to help adjust or reflect on their anxieties and their potential triggers.

The app was developed by researchers and involved close collaboration with autistic people.

To get the free "Molehill Mountain" app follow the links below:

Google Play Store:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.mymolehillmountain.autistica

Apple Store:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/molehill-mountain/id1407304564

For more information on the app:

https://www.autistica.org.uk/molehill-mountain