What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Although most of us are nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people with social anxiety disorders experience an intense fear and anxiety that can affect their daily lives. It affects their relationships and their careers. It can also lead to depression and alcohol abuse.

Treatment can include cognitive behavior therapy as well as medication, role-playing, and social skills training. Antidepressants, like beta blockers and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder makes people feel intense fear or distress in situations where they fear that others will notice their behavior and evaluate them negatively. This can be the case when meeting new people, eating or drinking in public, or delivering a speech. The person could avoid the fearful situation or endure it with intense distress and anxiety disorders facts. These emotions are out of proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment. They can also cause major disruptions to everyday life and can cause a disruption to relationships. People suffering from this condition have a lower likelihood of having close relationships with friends, finding a job, or maintaining intimate relationships. They are also more susceptible to depression and addiction issues.

This disorder can cause sweating, blushing or shaking. The patient may not be able to communicate clearly or maintain eye contact. The person might feel tense when talking on the telephone or when writing, and may be unable to maintain a job because of poor performance in interviews or meetings.

In severe cases, this disorder can lead to other anxiety disorders, major depression disorder and suicidal thinking. In these situations the treatment is generally more intense and should be directed by a mental health professional who has expertise in treating these disorders.

Some types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to in treating anxiety disorders social anxiety. CBT seeks to change negative thoughts or beliefs that contribute to the Disorder social Anxiety. It also teaches people to deal with situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the help of a therapist in a safe environment. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response or cognitive delivered exposure can be used to treat individuals who suffer from extreme social anxiety.

Psychological treatments are usually combined with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. The medications can lessen or eliminate the painful and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are usually prescribed for this condition. Beta blockers and other antidepressants may also be helpful.

Diagnosis

Everybody experiences some level of anxiety in certain social situations. For example, when you meet new people or going out for a date, or performing. However, when the anxiety becomes overwhelming and interferes with the daily routine, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder could be required. Also known as social phobia, the condition is not rooted in the individual's personality or environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a real, chronic disease that requires treatment.

A medical professional is able to diagnose the condition through a conversation with a patient and conducting an examination. The therapist might then suggest psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or medication to treat symptoms.

Certain kinds of talk therapy can help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people recognize and alter negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations which trigger anxiety. It can teach a person techniques to deal with stressful situations, for example, by practicing relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It could also involve exposure therapy, which involves gradually working up to the social situations a person is afraid of with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.

Antidepressants, prescription medications, and antianxiety medicines can be a relief for sufferers of social anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are the first type of medication used to treat this disorder however, other medications may work similarly. Sometimes, it takes several tries to find the right medication for a person.

Research has proven that a combination therapy is anxiety a disorder most efficient. This could include CBT, exposure therapy or a different type of psychological treatment like interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that people seek treatment for anxiety, as the condition can lead to depression and addictions like drugs or alcohol. It can also cause issues at work or school and lead to isolation.

Art therapy, for instance can be beneficial for those suffering from social anxiety. The therapy teaches people to express themselves through painting, drawing or other creative activities. It has been proven that in some cases it can lessen anxiety symptoms to a lesser degree.

Treatment

People are often anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving an presentation. When the fear and anxiety continue, it can become a mental disorder known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than just shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Therapy or medication are treatment options that could be considered.

The first step is to obtain an assessment from a health care professional such as a doctor or counselor. The doctor or counselor will examine the situation to determine if there are any physical problems causing symptoms, and then recommend you to an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist.

The most commonly used psychotherapy to treat social anxiety disorders is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, you will be guided by a skilled therapist to challenge negative thinking patterns and find better ways to deal with stressful situations. Additionally, you can develop relaxation techniques and be taught to confront your fears in small steps. CBT is typically spread across several sessions. You might be asked to complete homework between sessions.

Antidepressants are often used to treat anxiety disorders and they can be beneficial for certain people suffering from social anxiety disorders. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) are often prescribed for this condition, as well as the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These medications generally take several weeks before you notice any effects, and can cause side effects such as headache or insomnia.

Beta-blockers can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety. These include rapid heart rate and blood pressure rise, sweating, and shaking of the limbs and voice. However, since these medications can cause dependence and induce sedation doctors don't usually prescribe them for the general treatment of social anxiety.

Children who suffer from social anxiety may overcome the disorder as they get older however if it's not addressed, it could lead serious depression and mental health issues. Speak to your GP in the event that your child has a severe social anxiety disorder.

The following is a list of preventatives.

It's normal to feel anxious or anxious in a social setting, such as meeting new people or presenting presentations. However, this feeling can turn into a disorder when it affects your everyday activities and causes anxiety. It's more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and work or school performance. If you have issues with this issue it is crucial to seek help. There are a variety of ways to get help, that include therapy, medication, as well as support groups.

Social anxiety sufferers are aware that their fears might be unfounded or exaggerated, but they struggle to overcome them. They might avoid social interactions and may miss out on opportunities for friendships, education, and employment. They also are at greater risk for depression or substance abuse.

Talk therapy and stress management techniques like mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are commonly used to help with social anxiety. A therapist can help overcome the negative, harmful thoughts that trigger your social anxiety. They then help you replace these thoughts with more positive ones. They can also use the role-playing technique, social skills training and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to help you gradually face the situations that cause anxiety in a safe environment.

Certain of the symptoms associated with social anxiety can be addressed with medication, such as excessive sweating and heart palpitations. Patients suffering from this condition should always discuss possible adverse effects with their doctor prior to starting any medication.

Some mental health professionals suggest avoidance of substances such as caffeine, alcohol or other substances that may exacerbate your symptoms. They may suggest that you get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. They might also advise you to try taking an outdoor walk, which can have an uplifting effect and help you concentrate on the beauty around you.

Getting help for social anxiety is a common thing, and there are many treatment options available. It is essential to seek treatment early, whether you are seeking treatment or medication. This will stop your symptoms from becoming out of control. If you need help, BetterHelp can match you with a certified, licensed counselor who can help you cope with your feelings and thrive in everyday life.