What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Although most of us are nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people who suffer from social anxiety disorders have intense fear and anxiety that can affect their daily lives. It can affect their careers and relationships. And it can lead to depression and addiction to drugs.
Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy including medication, role-playing, medication and social skills training. The medications can include antidepressants like selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.
Signs and symptoms
Social anxiety disorder makes people feel intense fear or distress when they are in situations where they think others will observe their behavior and judge their behavior negatively. This can be the case when meeting new people, eating or drinking in public or giving speeches. The person might avoid the situation they fear or endure it with intense anxiety and distress. These feelings are in proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment involved. They can also lead to major interruptions to your daily routine and disrupt relationships. People who suffer from this condition are less likely of having close relationships with friends or finding work or maintaining intimate relationships. They also are at a greater risk of depression and substance abuse.
Symptoms of this disorder can include shaking, blushing or sweating. The person might not be able to communicate clearly or make eye contact. He or she might tremble when on the phone or writing, and could have trouble keeping an employment position due to inadequate performance in meetings or interviews.
In extreme instances, this disorder could cause other anxiety disorders, major depression disorder and suicidal ideation. In these instances the treatment is typically more intense and should be supervised by a mental health professional with experience in treating these disorders.
Some types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to combat social anxiety. CBT seeks to change negative beliefs or thoughts that contribute to the disorder. It also helps the patient to confront the situations that trigger anxiety slowly with the help of a therapist, and in a safe environment. A form of psychotherapy known as exposure and response prevent or cognitive delivered exposure can be used to treat people with extreme social anxieties.
Medication is often used alongside psychological treatments to alleviate symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor XR), are typically prescribed for this condition. Beta blockers and other antidepressants can also be helpful.
Diagnosis
Most people feel anxious in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going on dates or performing a performance. When the fear gets overwhelming and impacts your daily life, you may need to be diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder. Also known as social phobia, the condition is not rooted in a person's personality or the environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a genuine, chronic illness that requires treatment.
A doctor can usually diagnose the condition by speaking to patients and conducting a physical exam. The therapist may then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or medication to treat symptoms.
Certain kinds of talk therapy can help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people identify and change negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that trigger the anxiety. It can teach people how to handle stressful situations, such as practicing breathing techniques for relaxation or calming. It may also include exposure therapy, which entails gradually building up to social situations that a person fears with the guidance of a therapist in a safe environment.
Many people suffering from social anxiety disorder find relief from prescription medication, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a good example, like paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), are the first kind of medication used to treat this condition, but others may work just as well. Sometimes, it takes a number of tries to find the right medication for a person.
Research has proven that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This could include CBT and exposure therapy, or other kinds of psychological treatment like 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 work or school and cause isolation.
Certain people suffering from social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, like art therapy. This therapy teaches people how to express themselves through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been proven that in certain instances, it can help reduce anxiety symptoms to a lesser degree.
Treatment
Many people feel anxious when they meet new people or deliver presentations. However, when anxiety and fear continue to linger, it becomes a mental health condition called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It is more than shyness and requires treatment. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication or both.
A medical professional such as counselors or doctors is often able to provide an assessment. They may conduct a check to see if there are any physical ailments causing the symptoms, and then recommend you to an expert in mental health, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular method of psychotherapy to treat social anxiety disorders. In CBT therapy, a certified counselor or therapist assists you to confront negative thinking patterns and discover better ways to manage stressful situations. You may also learn relaxation techniques and ways to confront your fears by taking one step at a. CBT usually takes place over many sessions. You might be asked to complete homework in between sessions.
Antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders, and are 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). It can take up to several weeks for you to feel the effects of these medications. They may also cause adverse effects such as headache or insomnia.
Beta-blockers are a way to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. They can cause rapid heart rate as well as high blood pressure, sweating, and shaking of the voice and limbs. But since these medications can be habit-forming and sedating, physicians don't typically prescribe them for the general treatment of social anxiety.
Research shows that children who suffer from social anxiety might be able to overcome it as they get older however, if the disorder is left untreated it could cause severe depression and other mental health problems. Speak to your GP in the event that your child is suffering from severe social anxiety disorders.
Prevention
It's normal to be nervous or anxious in a social setting like meeting new people or giving a presentation. However, this feeling can become a problem when it affects your daily routine and causes stress. This condition 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 crucial to seek assistance. There are numerous ways to get help, including treatment, medication, and support groups.
Social anxiety sufferers are aware their fears may be irrational or exaggerated, but they are still struggling to overcome their fears. They might avoid social interactions and may miss out on opportunities for opportunities for education, employment and friendships. They also are at greater risk for depression or addiction to drugs.
Treatment for social anxiety often includes therapy sessions and stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can help you combat the negative and unhelpful thinking that fuels your social anxiety. They then help you replace these thoughts with more positive ones. They can also utilize social skills training, role-playing and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to assist you in overcoming the situations that trigger anxiety in a secure environment.
Medications can also be used to ease some symptoms of social anxiety like heart palpitations and sweating. People with this condition must always discuss possible adverse effects with their doctor prior to starting a medication.
Some mental health professionals recommend avoid substances that could make your symptoms worse like caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. severe anxiety disorder symptoms may suggest that you take enough rest and eat healthy food. You might be advised to take a stroll outside, which can aid in relaxing and focusing on the beauty of nature.
There are many ways to treat social anxiety. Whether you're seeking therapy or medication, it's important to start treatment early so that your symptoms don't spiral out of control and keep you from living the life you desire. If you need assistance, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited professional who can assist you to cope with your feelings and be successful in your everyday life.