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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Although most of us are nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people with social anxiety disorders experience extreme anxiety and fear that interferes with their everyday life. It can impact their relationships and careers. It can also lead to depression and drug abuse.
Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication, role-playing, and social skills training. The medications can include antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.
Symptoms
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel intense fear or distress in situations where they fear that others will notice their behavior and judge their behavior negatively. This can be the case when meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or delivering an address. The person may be able to either avoid the fearful event or experience great distress and anxiety. These feelings are in proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment involved. They can also cause major disruptions to everyday life and cause disruption to relationships. People with this condition are less likely to make close relationships, get jobs, or maintain close relationships. They are also more prone to depression and addiction issues.
The symptoms of this disorder could include blushing, shaking, or sweating. The patient may not be able speak clearly or maintain eye contact. They may tremble when on the phone or writing, and might be unable to maintain an employment position due to inadequate performance during interviews or meetings.
In severe instances, this disorder could result in other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. In these cases, treatment is usually more intense and should be supervised by an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating these disorders.
Certain types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to in treating social anxiety. CBT seeks to change negative thoughts or beliefs that cause the disorder. It also helps the patient to deal with situations that cause anxiety gradually, with the assistance of a therapist, and in an environment that is safe. A form of psychotherapy known as exposure and response or cognitive delivered exposure may be used to treat people who have extreme social anxiety.
Psychological treatments are often combined with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce or eliminate the discomforting and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor XR), are typically prescribed for this condition. Beta blockers and other antidepressants could also be helpful.
Diagnosis
Most people feel nervous in social situations, such as meeting new people, going out on a date or giving a performance. But when the fear gets overwhelming and affects daily life and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder may be needed. Also called social phobia, the condition is not rooted in the person's personality or environment and differs from shyness. It is a long-lasting, real illness that requires treatment.
A health care provider will usually be able to identify the problem by talking with a patient and conducting an examination. The therapist can then recommend psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to help manage symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one kind of talk therapy that can help manage anxiety. This approach helps the person recognize and alter negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations which trigger anxiety. It can teach people how to cope with stressful situations, such as practicing breathing techniques for relaxation or calming. It may also include exposure therapy, which involves gradually preparing for social situations that one fears with the guidance of the therapist in a safe environment.
Many people with social anxiety disorder find relief by taking prescription medications, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine, (Paxil), and sertraline, (Zoloft) are used to treat social anxiety disorders. However, other drugs can be equally effective. Sometimes, it takes a number of tries to find the right medication for an individual.
Research suggests that a mix of treatments is the most effective. This could include CBT exposure therapy, CBT, or a different type of psychological treatment, such as interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that someone receive 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.
Certain people suffering from social anxiety may benefit from expressive therapies, like art therapy. This teaches people to express their emotions through painting, drawing or other creative activities and has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms of anxiety in some instances.
Treatment
Many people are nervous when they meet new people or give a presentation. However, when the fear and anxiety persist and it develops into a mental health disorder called social anxiety disorder or social fear. It's more than shyness, and requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy or both.
Often, the first step is to get an assessment from a health professional such as a doctor or a counselor. They will examine to determine if physical issues are causing your symptoms. Then, they will recommend you to an expert in mental health for help, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The most popular psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorders is cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT). In CBT the counselor or therapist helps you challenge negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies to manage stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and ways to conquer your fears one step at a time. CBT typically takes place in multiple sessions, and you might be asked to complete assignments between sessions.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated using antidepressants. generalized anxiety disorder (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 trigger adverse effects like headache or insomnia.
Medicines that block the stimulant effect of adrenaline, including beta-blockers are also available and may help control some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heart rate and blood pressure as well as sweating and shaking of vocal cords and limbs. However, since these medications can be habit-forming and sedating doctors don't usually prescribe them for the general treatment of social anxiety.
Research suggests that children who suffer from social anxiety may outgrow it as they grow up, but if the disorder is left untreated it could lead to severe depression and other mental health problems. Speak to your GP in the event that your child has a severe social anxiety disorders.
Prevention
It's normal to be nervous or anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving a presentation, this feeling can become a disorder when it interferes with everyday activities and causes distress. It is more than shyness, and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and work or school performance. If you are struggling with this issue, it is important to seek help. There are a variety of ways to seek help that include treatment, medication, and support groups.
People with social anxiety usually recognize that their fears are unfounded and exaggerated, but they struggle to overcome these fears. They may avoid social interaction and are unable to access opportunities for education, work, and friendships, and they are more likely to be depressed or substance abuse.
Stress management and talk therapy techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation are commonly employed to combat social anxiety. A therapist can help you learn how to confront negative, unhelpful thoughts that fuel your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced views. 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 anxiety in a safe environment.
Some of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be treated by medication, such as excessive sweating and heart palpitations. People suffering from this condition should discuss potential adverse reactions with their physicians before starting any medication.
Some mental health professionals suggest abstaining from substances such as alcohol, caffeine or other drugs that could exacerbate your symptoms. They may suggest that you sleep enough and eat a healthy diet. It is possible to take a stroll outside to help you relax and concentrate on the beauty of nature.
Getting help for social anxiety is very common and there are numerous 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. If you need help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited therapist who can help you manage your emotions and be successful in your everyday life.
