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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Although panic anxiety disorder of us are nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those with social anxiety disorder have extreme anxiety and fear that can affect their everyday life. It affects their relationships and their careers. It can also result in depression and substance abuse.
Treatment may 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 is characterized by extreme fear and anxiety when people are afraid that others will judge them negatively based on their conduct. This can include situations like meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or delivering a speech. The person might avoid the feared situation or suffer from intense anxiety and distress. The anxiety and stress are not in proportion to the danger or embarrassment. They also cause major disturbances in everyday life and affect relationships. People who suffer from this condition have a lower likelihood of having close friends or finding work or maintaining relationships. They are also more prone to depression and substance abuse.
The symptoms of this disorder could include shaking, blushing, or sweating. The person might not be able to speak clearly or maintain eye contact. The person may feel tense while talking on the phone or writing and struggle to maintain a job because of poor performance in meetings or interviews.
In severe cases, the symptoms of this disorder could cause a person to develop other anxiety disorders or a major depressive disorder, and to have suicidal thoughts. In these instances, the treatment is usually more intensive and should be directed by an expert in mental health who is skilled in treating these disorders.
Certain psychotherapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may aid in treating social anxiety disorder. CBT is designed to change negative thoughts or beliefs that can trigger the disorder. It also teaches a person to deal with situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the help of a therapist in a safe environment. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevent or cognitive delivered exposure can be used to treat individuals who suffer from extreme social anxiety.
Medication is often used in conjunction with psychological treatments to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can reduce or eliminate the painful and embarrassing symptoms of 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 could also be beneficial.
Diagnosis
Everyone is anxious in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going out on a date or giving a performance. If the fear gets overwhelming and impacts your daily life, you may need to be diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder. Also called social phobia, the condition is not based on a person's personality or the environment. It is different from shyness. It is a long-lasting real disease that requires treatment.
A medical professional typically diagnoses a problem by talking to the patient and conducting a physical examination. The therapist can then recommend psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to alleviate symptoms.
Some types of talk therapy can help with anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method assists a person to recognize and alter negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can help a person learn skills to cope with distressing situations, for example, by using relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It can also include an exposure therapy that involves gradually exposing a person the social situations they fear under the guidance of a therapy therapist.
Antidepressants, prescription medications, and antianxiety medicines can offer relief to many people with social anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), like paroxetine, (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) are used to treat social anxiety disorder s. However, other medications could be equally effective. Sometimes, it takes a number of tries to find the right medication for a person.
Research has shown that a combination therapy is most effective. This may include CBT and exposure therapy, or other forms of psychological treatment, like interpersonal therapy. It is important that people seek treatment for anxiety, as the condition can lead to depression and addictions like drugs or alcohol. It can also lead to issues at school or at work and cause isolation.
People who suffer from social anxiety may benefit from expressive therapies, like art therapy. This therapy helps people learn to express themselves through painting, drawing or other creative activities. It has been demonstrated that in some cases it can reduce anxiety symptoms to a lesser degree.
Treatment
Most people feel nervous in certain social situations, like making new acquaintances or giving a presentation. However, when the fear and anxiety persist, it becomes a mental health condition called social anxiety disorder or social fear. It's more than shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy or both.
Often, the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a health care professional such as a doctor or a counselor. The doctor will conduct a check to see if any physical issues are behind your symptoms. Then, they will recommend you to a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The most common psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders affecting social phobia is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT therapy, a certified counselor or therapist helps you challenge negative thinking patterns and discover better ways to handle stressful situations. Additionally, you can develop relaxation techniques and be taught to face your fears in small steps. CBT is usually spread over many sessions. You might be required to complete homework between sessions.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with 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 feel the effects of these drugs. They may also cause unwanted side effects like headache or insomnia.
The use of medications that block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, such as beta-blockers are also available and can aid in reducing some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid heart rate and blood pressure as well as shaking and sweating voice and limbs. However, since these medications are sedating and habit-forming doctors don't usually prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety.
Children with social anxiety may overcome the disorder as they get older however if it's not addressed, it could lead serious depression and mental health issues. If your child has severe social anxiety consult your GP regarding the treatment options available.
The following is a list of preventatives.
It's normal to be nervous or anxious in a social context, such as meeting new people or giving presentations. However, this anxiety can turn into a disorder when it affects your daily activities and causes anxiety. It's more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and school or work performance. If you struggle with this issue it is essential to seek assistance. There are a variety of ways to seek help, that include treatment, medication, and support groups.
Social anxiety sufferers typically recognize that their fears are not rational and exaggerated, yet they struggle to overcome them. They may avoid social interactions and are unable to access opportunities for education, employment, or friendships, and they are more likely to be depressed or substance abuse.
Treatment for social anxiety usually involves talk therapy and methods for managing stress such as breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can help combat the negative and unhelpful 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 and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to assist you in overcoming the situations that trigger anxiety in a secure environment.
Some of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be treated with medication, such as heart palpitations and excessive sweating. People with this condition should always discuss possible adverse reactions with their physicians before starting any medication.
Some mental health professionals suggest avoiding substances like alcohol, caffeine, or drugs that can cause more symptoms. They may recommend that you sleep enough and eat a balanced diet. It is possible to go for a walk which will help you relax and focus on the beauty of nature.
There are many ways to treat social anxiety. Whether you're seeking therapy or medication, it's essential to begin treatment early to ensure that your symptoms don't get out of control and prevent you from living the life you deserve. If you're in need of help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, reputable therapist who can help you cope with your feelings and be successful in your everyday life.