What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that can cause problems with daily life. Although most people are uncomfortable or nervous when in social situations, those with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and anxiety. It affects their relationships as well as their careers. It can also lead to depression and drug abuse.

Treatment could include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, role-playing and social skills training. Antidepressants, including beta blockers and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder makes people feel intense fear or distress in situations where they believe people will observe their behavior and judge them negatively. This includes situations such as meeting new people, eating or drinking in public or giving a speech. The person might avoid the situation they fear or be in anxiety and distress. These feelings are out of proportion to the actual danger or embarrassment. They also cause major disturbances in everyday life and interfere with relationships. People with this condition are less likely to have close relationships, get jobs, or maintain intimate relationships. They are also more prone to depression and addiction issues.

This disorder may cause sweating, blushing, or shaking. The person might not be able to speak clearly or maintain eye contact. They may be frightened when talking on the phone or in writing. They may also have trouble maintaining the job due to poor performance at interviews or meetings.

In extreme cases, this disorder may cause other anxiety disorders, major depression disorder, and suicidal thoughts. In these instances the treatment will be more intensive and should be guided by an expert in mental health who has experience in managing these disorders.

Some types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to treat social anxiety disorder. CBT is designed to alter negative beliefs or thoughts that contribute to the disorder. It also helps the patient to confront the situations that cause anxiety gradually, with the help of a therapist, and in a safe environment. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response or cognitive delivered exposure may be used to treat individuals who suffer from extreme social anxiety.

It is common to use medication alongside psychological treatments to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce or eliminate the painful and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. This disorder is usually treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibits like sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants are also effective.

Diagnosis


Everybody experiences some level of anxiety in certain social settings. For instance, meeting new people or going out for an evening date, or performing. But when the fear gets overwhelming and affects the daily routine and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder might be required. Also known as social phobia the condition is not based on the individual's personality or environment and differs from shyness. It is a real chronic illness that requires treatment.

A medical professional will usually be able to identify the problem by talking with patients and conducting a physical exam. The therapist could then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, or medication to control symptoms.

Certain types of talk therapy can help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach assists the patient to identify and change negative beliefs and attitudes about social situations that cause anxiety. It can help people learn to handle stressful situations, such as practicing breathing techniques for relaxation or calming. It could also include an exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the person to the social situations they fear under the guidance of a therapist.

Antidepressants, prescription medications, and antianxiety medications can provide relief for many people suffering from social anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a good example, like paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are the primary type of drug used to treat this disorder, but others may work similarly. It may take a few tries to find the appropriate medication.

Research has demonstrated that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This could include CBT and exposure therapy or other kinds of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is essential that a person receives treatment for anxiety since it can cause depression or addictions such as alcohol and drugs. It can also cause problems at work or school and can cause isolation.

Art therapy, for instance can be beneficial to some people with social anxiety. This helps people express their emotions through painting, drawing or other creative activities. It has been proven to decrease the severity of anxiety-related symptoms in some instances.

Treatment

Many people are anxious when they meet new people or deliver a presentation. When the fear and anxiety persist, it could develop into a mental disorder called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness, and requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, or both.

The first step is to get a diagnosis from a health care professional such as a doctor or a counselor. He or she may examine the situation to determine if there are any physical problems that cause symptoms, and then recommend you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of psychotherapy for treating social anxiety disorders . In CBT therapy, a certified counselor or therapist assists you to challenge negative thinking patterns and learn better ways to handle stressful situations. You may also learn relaxation techniques and how to conquer your fears one step at a time. CBT usually takes place over many sessions. You may be asked to complete homework between sessions.

Antidepressants are often used to treat anxiety disorders and they can be beneficial for certain people suffering from 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 drugs typically take a few weeks before you start to feel the effects, and they can trigger negative side effects, such as insomnia or headaches.

Beta-blockers are a way to control the physical symptoms of anxiety. They can help reduce physical symptoms of. These include a rapid heart rate and blood pressure rise sweating, shaking of the hands and voice. However, since these medications can be habit-forming and sedating and sedating, doctors do not typically prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety.

Children who suffer from social anxiety may outgrow the disorder as they get older however if it's not addressed, it could lead serious depression and mental health issues. Speak to your GP if your child has a severe social anxiety disorder.

Prevention

It's normal to feel nervous or anxious in a social context, such as meeting new people or making an appearance. However, this anxiety can turn into a disorder when it affects your daily activities and causes stress. It is more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and school or work performance. It is important to seek treatment if struggling with this disorder. There are a variety of ways to get help, ranging from therapy, medication, as well as support groups.

Social anxiety sufferers typically realize that their fears are unfounded and exaggerated, yet they are unable to overcome them. They might avoid social interactions and miss out on opportunities for education, work, and friendships. They are also more susceptible to depression or substance abuse.

Stress management and talk therapy techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are frequently employed to help with social anxiety. A therapist can help you overcome the negative, harmful thoughts that trigger your social anxiety. They then help you replace these thoughts with more balanced ones. They can also use role-playing, social skills training as well as other cognitive behavior therapies (CBT) to assist you in overcoming the situations that trigger anxiety in a safe setting.

Certain of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be treated with medication, such as excessive sweating and heart palpitations. Before taking any medication, individuals who suffer from social anxiety should discuss the possible adverse effects with their physician.

Some mental health professionals recommend avoidance of substances such as alcohol, caffeine or other substances that may exacerbate your symptoms. They might suggest that you get enough rest and eat healthy food. They might also suggest to try taking walks in the nature, which can have an uplifting effect and help you focus on the beauty of the world around you.

There are many methods to manage social anxiety. It is important to seek treatment early, whether you are seeking therapy or medication. This will stop your symptoms from getting out of control. BetterHelp can connect you with an accredited and licensed counselor to help you manage your emotions.