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Addiction at Eotvos Lorand University cordially invite you to a talk

by

Eva Gilboa-Schechtman, Bar-Ilan University

"A Biopsychosocial Model of Social Anxiety Disorder"

Date: Thursday, June 9,  17:00

Location:
Institute of Psychology, ELTE
Damjanich u. 41-43. Building "C" ROOM 305

Abstract:
Theoretical accounts of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) consider enhanced sensitivity to, and impaired regulation of social threat to be at the core of this condition.  In this talk I seek to advance a more refined understanding of the types of social threat affecting individuals with SAD.  To this end, social threat is examined from the perspective of two systems: the social rank biobehavioral system (SRBS) and the affiliation biobehavioral system (AFBS).  I argue that SAD is associated with vulnerability to events signaling loss of social-rank (defeat) and loss of affiliation (exclusion). These events elicit distinct patterns of subjective, cognitive, behavioral, endocrine, physiological, and neural responses. I suggest that SAD is characterized by a (a) hyper-reactivity to both defeat and exclusion; (b) propensity to respond to social defeat by deploying conflict-reducing strategies (down-regulating SRBS); (c) propensity to respond to social exclusion by deploying distancing and withdrawal strategies (down-regulating AFBS), and (d) enhanced linkage of the two systems, with exclusion events activating not only AFBS but also SRBS.  This dual-system account is consistent with calls to redefine psychological disorders in terms of basic neuropsychological phenomena.  It may help integrate clinically significant information about SAD, especially developmental trajectory, gender differences, and patterns of comorbidity with depression and personality disorders. Exploring the mechanisms needed to obtain and maintain a flexible regulatory repertoire to cope with social challenges may help understand and treat SAD.  

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We're looking forward to seeing you there!