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No FDA approvals exist for treatments used “as needed” to thwart anxiety induction by public speaking, social get-togethers, and other situations associated with social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, several off-label treatments for these disorders are currently employed, often effectively — beta blockers, benzodiazepines at subsedating doses, and even alcohol. In early research, a synthetic neuroactive steroid pherine (in the family of pheromones), which selectively targets human nasal chemosensory receptors but lacks affinity for steroid hormone receptors, rapidly calmed volunteers, women more than men. Investigators have now conducted a double-blind, multisite, industry-sponsored trial of this investigational drug; participants were ot…