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 can affect their everyday life. It can impact their careers and relationships. It can also lead to depression and substance abuse.
Treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and role-playing or social skills training. Medications may include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.
Symptoms
Social anxiety disorder is defined by extreme fear and anxiety when people believe that people will be negative about them based on their behavior. This can include meeting people who are not familiar with them, eating or drinking in public, and giving an address or performance. The person may avoid the feared situation or suffer from intense anxiety and distress. These emotions are out of proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment involved. They can also cause major disruptions to everyday life and disrupt relationships. People with this disorder have a lower chance of having close relationships with friends or finding work or maintaining relationships. They are also more prone to depression and addiction issues.
The condition can cause sweating, blushing or shaking. The person may not be able speak clearly or maintain eye contact. They may tremble when talking on the telephone or when writing, and may be unable to maintain the job due to inadequate performance in meetings or interviews.
In severe cases, the symptoms of this disorder may cause a person to develop other anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder, as well as suicidal thoughts. In these instances the treatment is generally more intensive and should be supervised by a mental health professional who is experienced in treating these disorders.
Certain kinds of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help treat social anxiety disorder . CBT seeks to change negative thoughts or beliefs which can 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 form of psychotherapy known as exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure may be used to treat people who have extreme social anxiety.
Medication is often used alongside psychological treatments to ease symptoms of this disorder. These medications can reduce the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms associated with this disorder. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as paroxetine (Paxil) sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), are typically prescribed for this condition. Beta blockers and other antidepressants are also effective.
Diagnosis
Everybody experiences some level of anxiety in certain social situations. For instance, when making new acquaintances or going out for a date or performing. However, if the fear gets overwhelming and affects daily life and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder could be required. Also known as social phobia the disorder is not based on the person's personality or environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a real chronic illness that requires treatment.
A doctor will usually be able to identify the problem by talking with a patient and conducting a physical exam. The therapist may then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, or medication to control symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one kind of therapy that helps manage anxiety. This method helps people identify and change negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can teach a person techniques to deal with stressful situations, such as using relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It may also incorporate an exposure therapy that involves gradually exposing a person to the social situations that they are afraid of under the guidance of a therapy therapist.
Many people with social anxiety disorder get relief from prescription medications, including antianxiety drugs and antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), are the first kind of medication used to treat this disorder however, other medications may work similarly. Sometimes, it takes several attempts to determine the most appropriate medication for a person.
Research has demonstrated that combination therapy is the most efficient. This may include CBT and exposure therapy or other types of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is vital that a person receives treatment for anxiety since it can lead to depression or addictions like alcohol and other drugs. It can also cause issues at work or at school and cause isolation.
Art therapy, for example can be beneficial to some people with social anxiety. This therapy teaches people how 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 present an presentation. When the fear and anxiety persist, it can develop into a mental disorder, known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than just shyness, and requires treatment to overcome. Psychotherapy, medication, or both are possible treatment options.
A professional health care provider like a doctor or counselor, can often provide a diagnosis. They will examine to determine if physical issues are behind your symptoms. They will then recommend you to an expert in mental health care like psychiatrist or psychologist.
The most common psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorder is cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT). In CBT you will be guided by a trained psychotherapist to rethink negative thinking patterns and find new ways to cope with stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and ways to face your fears one step at a time. CBT typically takes place over multiple sessions, and you may be required to complete homework between sessions.
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and they can be effective for people with 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 start to notice any effects, and can cause side effects such as insomnia or headaches.
The use of medications that block the stimulating effect of adrenaline, like beta-blockers are also available and can help control some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heart rate and blood pressure, sweating and shaking the limbs and voice. These medications can be addictive and sedating. Therefore doctors do not usually prescribe these medications to treat social anxiety.
Children suffering from social anxiety might overcome the disorder as they grow older, but if it is not addressed, it could cause to mental health and depression issues. Speak to your GP when your child has a severe social anxiety disorder.
The following is a list with preventions.
While it's normal to feel 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 daily activities and causes anxiety. It is more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and school or work performance. If you have issues with this issue it is crucial to seek assistance. There are numerous ways to seek help including therapy, medication, and support groups.
People with soci
