What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

While most of us get nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people who suffer from social anxiety disorders have intense fear and anxiety that affects their daily life. It can affect their careers and relationships. It can also lead to depression and substance abuse.

Treatment can include cognitive behavior therapy, medication, role-playing and social skills training. The medications can include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder is defined by a high level of anxiety and fear when people are afraid that others will be negative about them based on their conduct. This includes situations such as meeting new people, eating or drinking in public or giving speeches. The person may either avoid the feared event or experience great distress and anxiety. These feelings are out of proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment. They can also cause significant disruptions to daily life and disrupt relationships. People with this condition are less likely to make close friends, get jobs, or maintain intimate relationships. They are also more prone to depression and addiction issues.

This condition can cause blushing, sweating or shaking. The patient may not be able to communicate clearly or maintain eye contact. The person may feel tense when speaking on the phone or writing, and find it difficult to keep a job due to poor performance in meetings or interviews.

In the most severe cases, symptoms of this disorder can cause a person to develop other anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder, as well as suicidal thoughts. In these cases the treatment is typically more intense and should be directed by with a mental health professional who is experienced in treating these disorders.

Certain kinds of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful to in treating social anxiety. CBT aims at changing negative thoughts or beliefs that can cause the disorder. It also teaches the person to confront the situations that cause anxiety gradually, with the help of a therapist, and in an environment that is safe. A form of psychotherapy known as exposure and response or cognitive delivered exposure can be used to treat people who have extreme social anxiety.

The use of medication is usually in conjunction with psychological treatments to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can alleviate the embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are commonly prescribed for this disorder. Beta blockers and other antidepressants may also be helpful.

Diagnosis

Nearly everyone feels nervous in social situations, like meeting new people, going out on dates or performing a performance. However, if the fear becomes overwhelming and interferes with the daily routine, a diagnosis of a social anxiety disorder might be required. The condition, which is also known as social anxiety disorder is not based on the person’s personality or their surroundings. It differs from shyness. It is a chronic, real illness that requires treatment.

A health care provider is able to diagnose the condition by talking with the patient and performing an examination. The therapist might then suggest psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, or medication to control symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can help to manage anxiety. This approach helps a person to recognize and alter negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that cause the anxiety. It can help a person learn how to handle stressful situations, including using relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It can also include an exposure therapy that involves gradually exposing a person the social situations that they are afraid of under the guidance of their counselor.

Prescription medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications can be a relief for people suffering from social anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are the first type of medication used to treat this condition, but others may work just as well. It can take several attempts to find the appropriate medication.

Research has proven that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This can include CBT exposure therapy, CBT, or a different type of psychological treatment such as 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 problems at work or school and cause isolation.

Certain people suffering from social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, such as art therapy. This therapy helps people learn to express themselves through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been proven that in certain cases, it can lessen the severity symptoms of anxiety.

Treatment

Many people are anxious when they meet new people or deliver a 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 requires treatment to overcome. Psychotherapy, medication, or both are possible treatment options.

Often, the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a health care professional like a doctor or a counselor. They may conduct a check to see if there are any physical issues that cause the symptoms, and suggest you see a mental health specialist, like a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The most popular psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorders is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT the counselor or therapist assists you to overcome negative patterns of thinking and develop better strategies to handle stressful situations. In addition, you may practice relaxation techniques and learn to confront your fears in small steps. CBT usually runs in multiple sessions, and you might be asked to complete your homework between sessions.

Antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders, and they can be effective for some people with 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 typically last for several weeks before you begin to notice effects, and they can cause negative side effects, such as insomnia or headaches.

The use of medications that block the stimulating effect of adrenaline, including beta-blockers are also available and may help control certain physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as sweating and shaking of vocal cords and limbs. These medications can be addictive and sedating. Therefore doctors rarely prescribe these medications to treat social anxiety.

Children with social anxiety may outgrow the condition as they get older However, if the disorder is not treated, it can result in to mental health and depression issues. If your child suffers from severe social anxiety disorder, speak with your GP about treatments options.

The following is a list of preventions.

While it’s normal to feel anxious or nervous in certain social situations such as meeting new people or giving the presentation, this anxiety can become a disorder when it affects daily activities and causes anxiety. This condition is more than just shyness. It can affect your self-esteem as well as relationships, and even school or work performance. It is important to seek treatment if you are struggling with this disorder. There are many options for help from medication to therapy to support groups.

People with social anxiety usually realize that their fears are not rational and exaggerated, but they struggle to overcome them. They may avoid social interaction and may miss out on opportunities for friendships, education, and employment. They are also more susceptible to depression or substance abuse.

Talk therapy and stress management techniques such as breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation are frequently used to combat social anxiety. A therapist can help you learn how to overcome negative, unhelpful thoughts that contribute to your social anxiety and replace them with more balanced thoughts. They can also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as social skills training, and role-playing to help you face the situations that make you anxious in a safe environment.

Additionally, medications can be used to ease some symptoms of social anxiety like heart palpitations and sweating. Patients suffering from this condition should discuss possible side effects with their doctors before starting the treatment.

Some mental health professionals recommend abstaining from substances that can make your symptoms worse like caffeine, alcohol and other drugs. They may suggest that you sleep enough and eat a balanced diet. generalized anxiety disorder may be advised to go for a walk which will help you relax and focus on the beauty of nature.

There are many ways to manage social anxiety. If you’re looking for treatment or medication, it’s crucial to begin treatment early to ensure that your symptoms don’t spiral out of control and keep you from living the life you want to live. If you need help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited professional who can assist you to cope with your feelings and flourish in your daily life.