What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Although most of us are anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people with social anxiety disorders experience intense fear and anxiety that can affect their daily lives. It can affect their relationships and careers. And it can cause depression and even addiction to drugs.

Treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication and role-playing, or social skills training. Antidepressants, such as beta blockers and selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel intense fear or distress when they are in situations where they think others will observe their behavior and judge their behavior negatively. This includes when they meet people who are unfamiliar, eating or drinking in public, or giving a speech or performance. The person may avoid the situation they fear or be in distress and anxiety. These emotions are out of proportion to the actual danger or embarrassment. They also cause significant disruptions to daily life and affect relationships. People with this condition are less likely to have close relationships, get jobs, or maintain intimate relationships. They are also more vulnerable to depression and addiction issues.

The symptoms of this disorder could include blushing, shaking, or sweating. The person might not be able to communicate clearly or maintain eye contact. He or she might tremble when on the phone or when writing, and might have trouble keeping a job because of poor performance in meetings or interviews.

In extreme instances, this disorder could result in other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. In these cases the treatment is typically more intense and should be guided an expert in mental health who is skilled in treating these disorders.

Certain psychotherapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may aid in treating social anxiety disorder. CBT aims at changing negative thoughts or beliefs that can cause the disorder. It also teaches a person to deal with situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the help of a therapist in a safe setting. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure may be used to treat people with extreme social anxieties.

Psychological treatments are usually combined with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. The treatment for this disorder is typically with selective serotonin reuptake inhibits such as paroxetine, sertraline, or Venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants can also be helpful.

Diagnosis

Everyone is anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people, going out on an evening date, or performing an appearance. However, when the anxiety is so overwhelming that it interferes with the daily routine and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder might be required. Also known as social phobia, the disorder is not based on the individual’s personality or environment. It is different from shyness. It is a long-lasting real illness that requires treatment.

A health care provider will usually diagnose a condition through a conversation with the patient and conducting an examination. The therapist could then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or medication to treat symptoms.

Certain types of talk therapy can help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people recognize and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can help a person learn techniques to deal with stressful situations, including using relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It could also involve exposure therapy, which involves gradually working up to the social situations that one is scared of, with the guidance of the therapist in a safe environment.

Many people suffering from social anxiety disorder find relief from prescription medications, including antidepressants and antianxiety medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) like paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline, (Zoloft) have been used to treat social anxiety disorder. However, other drugs may be equally effective. Sometimes, it takes several attempts to find the best medication for a person.

Research has proven that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This can include CBT and exposure therapy or other forms of psychological treatment, like interpersonal therapy. It is essential that someone receive treatment for anxiety because the condition can lead to depression and addictions, like drugs or alcohol. It can also lead to problems at work or school and lead to isolation.

Art therapy, as an example, can be beneficial to 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 reduce anxiety-related symptoms.

Treatment

Many people are nervous when they meet new people or give presentations. If the anxiety and fear persist, it could develop into a mental disorder, known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It is more than shyness and requires treatment. Psychotherapy or medication, or both are treatment options that could be considered.

The first step is to get an assessment from a health care professional, such as a physician or a counselor. They may conduct a check to see if there are any physical ailments causing the symptoms, and suggest you see a mental health specialist, like psychologist or psychiatrist.

The most common psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorder s is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT therapy, a certified counselor or therapist assists you to challenge negative thinking patterns and learn better ways to manage stressful situations. Additionally, you can practice relaxation techniques and learn to confront your fears in small steps. CBT usually takes place in multiple sessions, and you could be required to complete homework between sessions.

Social anxiety disorder can be treated using antidepressants. 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 notice effects, and they may cause adverse effects like insomnia or headaches.

Medications that block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, like beta-blockers, are also available, and may aid in reducing some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid heart rate and blood pressure, sweating and shaking the limbs and voice. But since these medications are sedating and habit-forming and sedating, doctors do not typically prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety.

Research suggests that children who have social anxiety might be able to overcome it as they get older However, if the condition is left untreated it could result in serious depression and other mental health issues. Talk to your GP when your child has a severe social anxiety disorders.

The following is a list with preventions.

Although it’s normal to feel nervous or anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving an oral presentation, this feeling can turn into a disorder when it affects daily activities and causes stress. This is more than shyness. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships and school or work performance. If you are struggling with this condition it is essential to seek help. There are numerous ways to seek help, including therapy, medication, as well as support groups.

People with social anxiety usually acknowledge that their fears are unfounded and overblown, but they struggle to overcome them. They might avoid social interactions and miss out on opportunities for education, employment, and friendships, and are more susceptible to depression or addiction to drugs.

Stress management and talk therapy techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are frequently used to combat social anxiety. A therapist can help challenge the negative, unhelpful thoughts that cause your social anxiety. They can then replace these thoughts with more balanced ones. They can also utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as social skills training and role-playing to help you deal with situations that make you feel anxious in a safe environment.

Some of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be treated with medication, such as heart palpitations and excessive sweating. People suffering from this condition should always discuss possible adverse reactions with their physicians prior to taking any medication.

Some mental health professionals recommend abstaining from substances that can cause your symptoms to worsen, including alcohol, caffeine, and drugs. They may recommend that you sleep well and eat a healthy, balanced diet. They might also advise you to go for an outdoor walk, which can have an uplifting effect and help you focus on the beauty of the world around you.

There are many methods to treat social anxiety. It is essential to seek treatment early, whether you are seeking therapy or medication. This will prevent your symptoms from getting out of control. BetterHelp can connect you to a licensed and accredited therapist to help you manage your emotions.