12-Week Study of Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Social Anxiety Disorder

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects must give written informed consent prior to any study procedures. * Diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) (300.23 Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Subtype) according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, as determined by psychiatric evaluation with the Principal Investigator. * A minimum score of 60 on the LSAS total score at both Screening and Baseline visits. * A total HAM-D score of less than 15 at the Screening visit. * CGI Severity score of 4 or greater at both Screening and Baseline visits. * Female subjects of childbearing potential must commit to an effective form of contraception for the duration of the trial. Effective forms of contraception include: condoms with spermicide, diaphragm with spermicide, hormonal contraceptive agents (oral, transdermal, or injectable), and implantable contraceptive devices. Exclusion Criteria: * An Axis I disorder other than SAD (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder) within 24 weeks of the Baseline visit. Subjects with co-morbid MDD, GAD, dysthymia, or specific phobias will be allowed if GSAD is the primary disorder in terms of clinical severity, as determined by the investigator. * Any history or complication of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. * Any complication of body dysmorphic disorder. * Substance dependence, as defined by DSM-IV-TR criteria, within 24 weeks of the Baseline visit. * Subjects who are currently pregnant, lactating, or of childbearing potential and not practicing an effective method of contraception. * Subjects scoring \>2 on item #3 of the HAM-D, or who, in the opinion of the PI, are at a clinically significant risk for suicide. * Systolic blood pressure ≥165 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥95. * Positive Urine Drug Screen at the Screening visit. * Any current unstable and/or clinically significant medical condition, based on history or as evidenced in Screening laboratory and ECG assessments. * Any history or complication of cancer or malignant tumor. * Fluoxetine within 28 days of Baseline * MAO inhibitors within 14 days of Baseline - Any other psychotropics (including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines) within 14 days of Baseline. Zolpidem (Ambien®) PRN is allowed for insomnia if not taken more than 3 times per week. * Subjects who started psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy within 24 weeks of the Baseline visit, except for supportive psychotherapy. * Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) within 12 weeks of the Baseline visit. * Treatment refractory GSAD