What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
While we all get anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people with social anxiety disorders experience an intense fear and anxiety that can affect their daily lives. It can affect their relationships and careers. It can also cause depression and drug abuse.
Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication and role-playing or social skill training. The medications can include antidepressants like selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.
Signs and symptoms
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by extreme fear and anxiety when people believe that others will judge them negatively based on their conduct. This can be the case when meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or delivering a speech. The person may either avoid the feared event or experience great distress and anxiety. The anxiety and stress are not in proportion to the danger or embarrassment. They can also cause major disruptions to everyday life and cause disruption to relationships. People who suffer from this disorder have a lower chance of having close relationships with friends and finding a job or maintaining relationships. They are also at higher risk of developing depression and abuse.
This condition can cause blushing, sweating, or shaking. The patient may be unable to maintain eye contact or speak clearly. The person might feel tense when on the phone or when writing, and might have difficulty maintaining an employment position due to the inability to perform well during interviews or meetings.
In extreme cases, this disorder can cause other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. In these situations the treatment is generally more intensive and should be supervised by a mental health professional who has expertise in treating these disorders.
Certain psychotherapies, for instance cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be able to aid in treating social anxiety disorder. CBT is designed to change negative thoughts or beliefs that cause the disorder. It also teaches a person to deal with situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment. A type of psychotherapy known as exposure and response prevent or cognitive delivered exposure may be utilized to treat those with extreme social anxieties.
It is common to use medication in conjunction with psychological therapies to ease 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 typically prescribed for this disorder. Other antidepressants and beta blockers can also be helpful.
Diagnosis
Nearly everyone experiences some level of anxiety in certain social situations. For instance, you meet new people, going out on dates, or performing. If the fear becomes overwhelming, and it affects your daily routine you might need to be diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder. The condition, which is also known as social anxiety disorder, is not based on the personality of the individual or their environment. It is different from shyness. It is a real, chronic illness that requires treatment.
A medical professional will usually be able to identify the problem by speaking to patients and conducting an examination. The therapist might then suggest psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, or medication to control symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one kind of talk therapy that helps manage anxiety. This method helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and attitudes about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can help people learn to handle stressful situations, like practicing breathing techniques to relax or calm. It could also involve exposure therapy, which involves gradually building up to social situations that one is scared of, with the guidance of the therapist in a safe environment.
Prescription medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines can provide relief for many people with social anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like paroxetine, (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) are used to treat anxiety disorders involving social interaction. However, anxiety disorder symptoms can be equally efficient. Sometimes, it takes a few attempts to determine the most appropriate medication for an individual.
Research has proven that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This can include CBT exposure therapy, or another form of psychological treatment, such as interpersonal therapy. It is important that people seek treatment for anxiety, as the condition can cause depression and addictions, like drugs or alcohol. It can also lead to problems at school or at work and cause isolation.
Art therapy, as an example, can be beneficial to some people with social anxiety. It teaches people to express their feelings through drawing, painting or other creative activities and has been proven to reduce the severity of symptoms of anxiety in some instances.
Treatment
Many people are nervous when they meet new people or deliver a presentation. If the anxiety and fear persist, it could develop into a mental disorder known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than just shyness, and requires treatment to overcome. Treatment with psychotherapy or medication are options for treatment.
The first step is to get an assessment from a health professional such as a doctor or counselor. The doctor will conduct a check to determine if physical issues are behind your symptoms and then recommend you to an expert in mental health care like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common method of psychotherapy to treat social anxiety disorders. In CBT therapy, a certified therapist or counselor helps you confront negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies to manage stressful situations. You may also learn relaxation techniques and ways to conquer your fears one step at a time. CBT usually runs over several sessions, and you might be required to complete assignments 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). It could take several weeks before you feel the effects of these medications. They may also cause adverse effects such as headache or insomnia.
The use of medications that block the stimulating effect of adrenaline, including beta-blockers, are also available and may aid in reducing certain physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid heart rate and blood pressure as well as shaking and sweating vocal cords and limbs. But since these medications can cause dependence and induce sedation doctors don't usually prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety.
Research has shown that children who suffer from social anxiety might be able to overcome it as they grow up however, if the disorder is left untreated, it can lead to severe depression and other mental health problems. Speak to your GP in the event that your child is suffering from severe social anxiety disorder.
The following is a list with preventions.
It's normal to be anxious or nervous in certain social situations like meeting new people, or giving the presentation, this anxiety may become a problem when it interferes with everyday activities and causes anxiety. It is more than shyness. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships and work or school performance. It is essential to seek treatment if you are struggling with this disorder. There are a variety of options for assistance, from therapy to medication to support groups.
People who suffer from social anxiety typically recognize that their fears are irrational and exaggerated, but they struggle to overcome these fears. They may avoid social interactions and miss out on opportunities for education, employment, or friendships, and are at greater risk of depression or substance abuse.
Treatment for social anxiety typically includes therapy sessions and stress management techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can teach you how to confront negative, harmful thoughts that contribute to your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced views. They can also employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training and role-playing in order to help you deal with situations that cause anxiety in a secure setting.
Certain of the symptoms associated with social anxiety can be treated by medication, such as heart palpitations and excessive sweating. People suffering from this condition should discuss potential side effects with their doctors before starting any medication.
Some mental health professionals recommend abstaining from substances such as caffeine, alcohol or other substances that may increase the severity of your symptoms. They may recommend that you get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. You may be advised to go for a walk to help you relax and focus on the beauty of nature.
There are many methods to manage social anxiety. It is essential to seek treatment promptly, whether seeking therapy or medication. This will stop your symptoms from getting out of control. If you need help, BetterHelp can match you with a certified, licensed professional who can assist you to deal with your emotions and flourish in your daily life.