What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that can cause problems with daily life. While many people feel uncomfortable or anxious when in social situations, people with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and fear. It can impact their careers and relationships. It can also lead to depression and addiction to drugs.

Treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication and role-playing or social skills training. Medications may include antidepressants like selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear and distress when people think that people will judge them negatively based on their conduct. This includes situations such as meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or delivering an address. The person may choose to avoid the event or experience immense anxiety and distress. These feelings are not in proportion to the risk or embarrassment. They also cause major disruptions in daily life and can affect relationships. People who suffer from this condition are less likely of having close friends or finding work or maintaining relationships. They also are at a greater risk of developing depression and abuse.

The symptoms of this disorder could include blushing, shaking, or sweating. The person may not be able to keep eye contact or communicate clearly. The person may feel tense when talking on the phone or writing and have trouble maintaining the job because of poor performance in meetings or in interviews.

In severe instances, this disorder could result in other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and suicidal thoughts. In these instances, treatment is usually more intensive and should be guided by an experienced mental health professional who has experience in treating these disorders.

Certain psychotherapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may help treat social anxiety disorder. CBT is a method of changing negative beliefs or thoughts that can cause the disorder. It also teaches the person to deal with situations that cause anxiety disorders worksheet gradually, with the assistance of a therapist, and in an environment that is safe. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention or cognitively delivered exposure can be used to treat individuals who suffer from extreme social anxiety.

It is common to use medication in conjunction with psychological therapies to ease symptoms of this disorder. The medications can lessen or eliminate the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder Social anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), are typically prescribed for this disorder. Other antidepressants and beta blockers are also effective.

Diagnosis

Everybody experiences some level of anxiety in certain social situations. For instance, when meeting new people or going out on a date, or performing. But when the fear gets overwhelming and affects the daily routine and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder could be required. The condition, which is also known as social anxiety disorder is not solely based on the personality of the person or their environment. It is distinct from shyness. It is a real, chronic disease that requires treatment.

A health professional will typically determine if a condition is present by talking to the patient and performing an examination. The therapist could then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or medication to treat symptoms.

Some types of talk therapy can help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can teach people how to manage stressful situations, including breathing techniques for relaxation or calming. It could also include an exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing a person the social situations that they are afraid of under the guidance of their counselor.

Many people suffering from social anxiety disorder get relief from prescription medication, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), are the first type of drug used to treat this condition but other drugs may perform equally well. It can take a number of attempts to find the appropriate medication.

Research has proven that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This can be CBT exposure therapy, CBT, or another form of psychological treatment like interpersonal therapy. It is important that a person receive treatment for anxiety, as the condition can lead to depression and addictions like alcohol or drugs. It can also cause problems at school or at work and cause isolation.

People who suffer from social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, such as art therapy. It teaches people to express their feelings through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been proven to decrease the severity of anxiety-related symptoms in some cases.

Treatment

Many people are nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people or giving the presentation. If the anxiety and fear persist, it could develop into a mental disorder called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than just shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy or both.

The first step is getting a diagnosis from a health professional, such as a physician or a counselor. He or she may examine the situation to determine if there are any physical problems that cause the symptoms, and then refer you for an expert in mental health such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The most common psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorders is cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT). In CBT you will be guided by a trained therapist to challenge negative thinking patterns and find more effective ways to handle stressful situations. In addition, you may practice relaxation techniques and learn to confront your fears in small steps. CBT is usually spread over many sessions. You might be asked to complete 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). These drugs typically take a few weeks before you begin to feel the effects, and they may cause side effects such as insomnia or headaches.

Medicines that block the stimulant effects of adrenaline, including beta-blockers are also available, and may help control some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and blood pressure as well as shaking and sweating the limbs and voice. But 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 condition as they get older, but if it is not treated, it can lead serious depression and mental health issues. Speak to your GP when your child has a severe social anxiety disorder separation disorders.

Prevention

While it's normal to feel anxious or nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people or giving the presentation, this anxiety can turn into a disorder when it interferes with everyday activities and causes stress. This is more than just shyness. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships and your work or school performance. It is crucial to seek treatment if you are struggling with this issue. Fortunately, there are many options for help, from therapy to medication to support groups.

Social anxiety sufferers typically recognize that their fears are not rational and exaggerated, yet they are unable to overcome them. They might avoid social interactions and miss out on education, employment and friendships. They are also more susceptible to depression or abuse of substances.

Treatment for social anxiety usually includes talk therapy and stress management techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can help you challenge the negative, unhelpful thoughts that cause your social anxiety. They then help you replace these thoughts with more balanced ones. They can also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as social skills training, and role-playing to assist you in tackling the situations that cause ocd anxiety disorder in a safe environment.

Medications can also be used to alleviate some of the symptoms of social anxiety such as heart palpitations or sweating. Before taking any medication, people who suffer from social anxiety should discuss the potential side effects with their doctor.

Some mental health professionals recommend abstaining from substances such as caffeine, alcohol or other drugs that could exacerbate your symptoms. They may recommend that you take enough rest and eat healthy food. You might be advised to go for a walk which will aid in relaxing and focusing on the beauty of nature.

Getting help for social anxiety is very common and there are numerous treatment options available. Whether you're seeking therapy or medication, it is important to start treatment early so that your symptoms don't spiral out of control and keep you from living the life you deserve. If you need help, BetterHelp can match you with a certified, licensed professional who can assist you to cope with your feelings and be successful in your everyday life.