What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Although most of us are anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people with social anxiety disorder have intense fear and anxiety that affects their everyday life. It affects their relationships as well as careers. And it can cause depression and even addiction to drugs.
Treatment may include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), medication, and role-playing or social skill training. Antidepressants, like beta blockers and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed.
Symptoms
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by extreme fear and anxiety when people are afraid that people will judge them negatively based on their conduct. This can include situations like meeting new people, eating or drinking in public or giving an address. The person may avoid the situation they fear or endure it with intense distress and anxiety. The anxiety and stress are not in proportion to the risk or embarrassment. They also cause major disturbances in everyday life and interfere with relationships. People who suffer from this condition have a lower likelihood of having close friends or finding work or maintaining relationships. They are also more vulnerable to depression and addiction issues.
The condition can cause blushing, sweating, or shaking. The patient may be unable to maintain eye contact or communicate clearly. The person may feel tense while talking on the phone or in writing. They may also struggle to maintain a job due to poor performance at meetings or interviews.
In severe cases, this disorder can cause other anxiety disorders, major depression disorder and suicidal ideation. In these instances, treatment is usually more intense and should be supervised by a mental health professional with expertise in managing these disorders.
Certain types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to treat social anxiety disorder. CBT is designed to alter negative thoughts or beliefs that can trigger the disorder. 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 prevent or cognitively delivered exposure can be used to treat people who have extreme social anxiety.
The use of medication is usually alongside psychological treatments to alleviate symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce or eliminate the discomforting and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are usually prescribed for this disorder. Beta blockers and other antidepressants may also be beneficial.
Diagnosis
Everyone is anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people, going out on dates or performing an appearance. When the fear becomes overwhelming, and it affects your daily routine, you may need to be diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder. Also called social phobia, the disorder is not based on the person's personality or environment and differs from shyness. It is a real chronic disease that requires treatment.
A health professional will typically determine if a condition is present by talking to the patient and performing a physical examination. The therapist might then suggest psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or medication to treat symptoms.
Some types of talk therapy can help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach helps a person recognize and change negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that cause anxiety. It can teach someone how to handle stressful situations, including using relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It could also include an exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing a person to the social situations that they are afraid of under the guidance of a therapist.
Prescription medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications can be a relief for people suffering from social anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) such as paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), have been used to treat social anxiety disorder. However, other drugs may be equally efficient. It can take a number of attempts to find the right medication.
Research shows that a combination of treatments is the most efficient. This can be CBT, exposure therapy or another form of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is essential that an individual receives treatment for anxiety because it can lead to depression or addictions, such as alcohol and other drugs. It can also cause problems at work or school and lead to isolation.
Art therapy, as an example can be beneficial to some people with social anxiety. It teaches people to express their emotions through drawing, painting, or other creative pursuits. It has been shown to reduce the severity of anxiety-related symptoms in some cases.
Treatment
Many people are nervous when they meet new people or give a presentation. When the fear and anxiety continue, it can become a mental disorder called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication or both.
The first step is to get an assessment from a health professional, such as a physician or a counselor. He or she may look into whether there are any physical issues that cause the symptoms, and then refer you for an expert in mental health, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular form of psychotherapy for treating social anxiety disorders . In CBT the therapist or counselor helps you overcome negative patterns of thinking and discover better ways to handle stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and ways to confront your fears one step at a time. CBT is usually spread over many sessions. You might be required to complete homework in between sessions.
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, and they can be beneficial for certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder. 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 feel the effects, and they may cause adverse effects like headache or insomnia.
Medicines that block the stimulant effects of adrenaline, including beta-blockers, are also available and can assist in controlling some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as sweating and shaking of vocal cords and limbs. However, since these medications can cause dependence and induce sedation, physicians don't typically prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety.
Research has shown that children who suffer from social anxiety may outgrow it as they grow up However, if the condition is not treated it could lead to severe depression and other mental health issues. Talk to your GP when your child is suffering from severe social anxiety disorders.
The following is a list of preventatives.
It's normal to feel anxious or anxious when you are in a social setting, such as meeting new people or presenting an appearance. However, this feeling can become a problem when it causes disruption to your everyday activities and causes anxiety. This is more than just shyness. It can affect your self esteem, relationships and your work or school performance. If you have issues with this issue it is essential to seek out help. There are a variety of options for assistance from medication to therapy to support groups.
People with social anxiety usually acknowledge that their fears are irrational and exaggerated, but they struggle to overcome these fears. They might avoid social interactions and miss out on opportunities for education, employment, and friendships. They are also more susceptible to depression or abuse of substances.
Treatment for social anxiety often includes therapy sessions and strategies for managing stress such as breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can help you learn how to confront negative, harmful thoughts that fuel your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced perspectives. They can also employ social skills training, role-playing, and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to help you to gradually confront the situations that cause you anxiety in a secure environment.
Certain of the symptoms associated with social anxiety can be addressed by medication, such as excessive sweating and heart palpitations. People suffering from this condition must always discuss potential adverse effects with their doctor prior to starting the treatment.
Some mental health professionals suggest avoidance of substances such as alcohol, caffeine or other substances that may cause more symptoms. They may suggest that you sleep well and eat a healthy, balanced diet. You may be advised to take a walk outside, which can help you relax and concentrate on the beauty of nature.
Finding help for social anxiety is very common, and there are many treatment options available. It is crucial to seek treatment early, whether you're seeking therapy or taking medication. This will stop your symptoms from becoming out of control. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed and accredited therapist who can help you manage your feelings.