What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that can interfere with daily life. While most people are uncomfortable or nervous when they are in social situations, people with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and fear. It can affect their careers and relationships. And it can result in depression and substance abuse.
Treatment could include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, role-playing and social skills training. Antidepressants, like beta blockers and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed.
Signs and symptoms
Social anxiety disorder is defined by intense fear and distress when people believe that others will judge them negatively based on their conduct. This can include situations like meeting new people, eating or drinking in public or giving speeches. The person may be able to either avoid the fearful occasion or suffer great distress and anxiety. These feelings aren't in proportion to the risk or embarrassment. They can also cause significant interruptions to your daily routine and can cause a disruption to relationships. People with this condition are less likely to make close relationships, get jobs, or maintain intimate relationships. They also are at a greater risk of developing depression and substance abuse.
The condition may cause sweating, blushing or shaking. The person might not be able speak clearly or make eye contact. The person may feel tense when talking on the phone or in writing. They may also struggle to maintain an employment position due to poor performance in meetings or in interviews.
In extreme cases, the symptoms of this disorder could cause an individual to develop other anxiety disorders or major depression disorder, and to have suicidal thoughts. In these situations, the treatment is usually more intense and should be directed by with a mental health professional who is experienced in treating these disorders.
Certain types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful to treat social anxiety disorder. CBT seeks to change negative beliefs or thoughts that cause the disorder. anxiety disorder physical symptoms teaches the person to face the situations that cause anxiety gradually with the assistance of a therapist and in a safe environment. Another form of psychotherapy, known as exposure and response prevention, or cognitive delivered exposure, can be used to assist people suffering from extreme social anxiety disorder.
Medication is often used alongside psychological treatments to alleviate symptoms of this disorder. The medications can lessen or eliminate the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like paroxetine (Paxil) sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are usually prescribed for this disorder. Other antidepressants and beta blockers are also effective.
Diagnosis
Nearly everyone feels nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going on a date or giving a performance. If the anxiety becomes overwhelming, and it impacts your daily life 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 person or their environment. It is different from shyness. It is a chronic real disease that requires treatment.
A health professional typically diagnoses a problem by talking to the patient and performing a physical examination. The therapist may then suggest psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to help alleviate symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one kind of talk therapy that can help to manage anxiety. This method assists a person recognize and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can help people learn to manage stressful situations, including relaxation techniques or calming breathing. It could also include an exposure therapy which involves gradually exposing a person the social situations they are afraid of under the guidance of a therapist.
Many people with social anxiety disorder get relief by taking prescription medications, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) like paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline, (Zoloft), have been used to treat social anxiety disorder. However, other drugs could be equally effective. Sometimes, it takes a few attempts to find the best medication for a person.
Research has shown that a combination of therapies is most efficient. This could include CBT and exposure therapy, or other forms of psychological treatment, like interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that a person receives treatment for anxiety as it can cause depression or addictions, such as alcohol and other drugs. It can also cause issues at school or work and lead to 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 shown that in some cases it can reduce anxiety-related symptoms.
Treatment
Many people feel anxious when they meet new people or deliver an presentation. When the fear and anxiety continue, it can become a mental disorder known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Treatment with psychotherapy or medication, or both are options for treatment.
A professional health care provider, such as counselors or doctors will often be able to give an assessment. He or she may check to see if there are any physical ailments that are causing the symptoms, and suggest you see a mental health specialist, like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular form of psychotherapy for treating social anxiety disorder. In CBT the therapist or counselor helps you confront negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies to handle stressful situations. In addition, you may try relaxation techniques and learn to face your fears in small steps. CBT usually takes place in multiple sessions, and you may be required to complete your homework 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 can take several weeks before you start feeling the effects of these drugs. They may also cause adverse effects such as headaches or insomnia.
The use of medications that block the stimulating effect of adrenaline, including beta-blockers are also available, and may assist in controlling some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and blood pressure as well as sweating and shaking of the limbs and voice. These medications are a source of addiction and can cause sedation. Therefore doctors rarely prescribe them to treat social anxiety.
Children with social anxiety may be able to overcome the condition as they get older, but if it is not treated, it can result in to serious depression and mental health issues. Talk to your GP when your child has a severe social anxiety disorders.
Prevention
It's normal to feel nervous or anxious when you are in a social situation, such as meeting new people or presenting presentations. However, this anxiety can become a problem when it affects your daily activities and causes stress. It's 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 condition. There are many options for assistance, from therapy to medication to support groups.
People who suffer from social anxiety typically realize that their fears are unfounded and exaggerated, yet they are unable to overcome these fears. They might avoid social interactions and miss out on opportunities for education, employment and friendships. They are also at greater risk for depression or substance abuse.
Stress management and talk therapy techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are commonly used to treat social anxiety. A therapist can show you how to confront negative, harmful thoughts that fuel your social anxiety and replace them with more balanced thoughts. They can also utilize role-playing, social skills training as well as other cognitive behavior therapies (CBT) to help you to gradually confront the situations that trigger anxiety in a safe setting.
Additionally, medications can be used to ease some symptoms of social anxiety, such as heart palpitations and sweating. Before taking any medication, individuals who suffer from social anxiety must discuss the potential adverse effects with their doctor.
Some mental health professionals recommend avoid substances that could cause your symptoms to worsen, including caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. They may recommend that you rest enough and eat healthy food. You might be advised to take a walk outside which will help you relax and focus on the beauty of nature.
Getting help for social anxiety is quite common and there are a variety of treatment options available. Whether you're seeking treatment or medication, it is essential to begin treatment early so that your symptoms don't spiral out of control and prevent you from living the life you desire. BetterHelp can connect you to an accredited and licensed therapist to help you deal with your emotions.