What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that can hinder with your daily activities. Although most people feel uncomfortable or anxious when they are in social situations, those suffering from social anxiety disorder experience extreme anxiety and fear. It can impact their careers and relationships. And it can result in depression and substance abuse.

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

Signs and symptoms

Social anxiety disorder is defined by intense fear and distress when people are afraid that people will criticize them for their behavior. This includes meeting unfamiliar people, eating or drinking in public, and giving speeches or performing. The person might avoid the situation they fear or suffer from intense anxiety and distress. These feelings are not in proportion to the risk or embarrassment. They can also cause major disruptions to daily life and can cause a disruption to relationships. People with this condition are less likely to have close friends, find jobs, or maintain close relationships. They are also more prone to depression and substance abuse.

This disorder can cause blushing, sweating, or shaking. The person may not be able to communicate clearly or make eye contact. The person may feel tense while talking on the phone or in writing. They may also find it difficult to keep the job because of poor performance in interviews or meetings.

In extreme cases, this disorder can lead to other anxiety disorders, major depression disorder and suicidal thinking. In these cases the treatment will be more intense and should be directed by an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating these disorders.

Certain psychotherapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be able to aid in treating social anxiety. CBT seeks to alter negative thoughts or beliefs that cause the disorder. It also teaches the person to deal with situations that cause anxiety gradually, with the help of a therapist and a safe environment. A type of psychotherapy known as exposure and response prevent or cognitively delivered exposure can be used to treat individuals who have extreme social anxiety.

Psychological treatments are often paired with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. The medications can lessen or eliminate the painful and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. This disorder is usually treated by sever serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline, paroxetine or venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants are also effective.

Diagnosis

Most people experience some degree of anxiety in certain social settings. For instance, making new acquaintances or going out on an evening date, or performing. If the fear is so overwhelming that it impacts your daily life it is possible to be diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder. Also known as social phobia the disorder is not based on the individual's personality or environment. It is different from shyness. It is a long-lasting, real illness that requires treatment.

A medical professional is able to diagnose the condition by speaking to patients and conducting an examination. The therapist might then suggest psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or medication to manage symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one kind of talk therapy that can help to manage anxiety. This approach assists the patient to recognize and alter negative beliefs and attitudes about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can teach someone how to handle stressful situations, including practicing relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It may also include exposure therapy, which entails gradually building up to social situations that one is afraid of with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.

Prescription medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications can offer relief to many people with social anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine, (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) have been used to treat anxiety disorders involving social interaction. However, other drugs can be equally efficient. It may take a few tries to determine the best Anxiety disorder treatment medication.

Research shows that a combination of therapies is most effective. This could include CBT and exposure therapy or other kinds of psychological treatment like interpersonal therapy. It is important that people seek treatment for anxiety as the condition can cause depression and addictions such as alcohol or drugs. It can also cause problems at work or school and can lead to isolation.

Art therapy, for example can be beneficial to certain people suffering from social anxiety. This therapy helps people learn to express themselves through painting, drawing or other creative activities. It has been proven that in some cases it can reduce anxiety symptoms to a lesser degree.

Treatment

Most people feel nervous in certain social situations, such as making new acquaintances or giving the presentation. However, when the fear and anxiety persist, it becomes a mental health disorder known as social anxiety disorder or social anxiety. It's more than shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Psychotherapy or medication, or both are possible treatment options.

A professional health care provider such as a doctor or counselor is often able to provide a diagnosis. They will examine to determine if physical issues are causing your symptoms. They will then refer you to an expert in mental health care, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The most commonly used psychotherapy to treat anxiety disorders affecting social phobia is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT the counselor or therapist helps you confront negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies to handle stressful situations. In addition, you may try relaxation techniques and learn to confront your fears in small steps. CBT usually takes place over many sessions. You might be asked to complete homework in 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). These drugs typically take a few weeks before you start to feel the effects, and they may cause negative side effects, such as headache or insomnia.

The use of medications that block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, like beta-blockers, are also available and may aid in reducing some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as shaking and sweating the limbs and voice. But since these medications can be habit-forming and sedating, physicians don't typically prescribe them for the general treatment of social anxiety.

Research shows that children who have social anxiety may outgrow it as they grow up, but if the disorder is left untreated, it can result in serious depression and other mental health issues. Consult your GP in the event that your child has a severe social anxiety disorder.

The following is a list with preventions.

It's normal to feel anxious or anxious in a social setting for example, when you meet new people or making presentations. However, this anxiety can anxiety disorders go away become a problem if it interferes with your daily routine and causes anxiety. This is more than just shyness. It can affect your self-esteem as well as relationships, and even the performance at work or at school. If you struggle with this issue it is essential to seek help. Fortunately, there are many options to help, from therapy to medication to support groups.

Social anxiety sufferers are aware that their fears may be irrational or exaggerated, yet they still struggle to overcome their fears. They may avoid social interactions and do not have the opportunity to gain education, employment, or friendships, and they are at greater risk of depression or abuse of substances.

Stress management and talk therapy techniques like mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are often employed to help with social anxiety. A therapist can teach you how to confront negative, destructive thoughts that cause your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced perspectives. They can also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training, and role-playing to help you deal with situations that cause anxiety in a safe setting.

Certain of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be treated by medication, including excessive sweating and heart palpitations. Before taking any medication, individuals with social anxiety should discuss the possible side effects with their doctor.

Some mental health professionals suggest avoid substances that could make your symptoms worse, including caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. They may recommend that you take enough rest and eat healthy food. They might also suggest to try taking a walk in nature, which can have an uplifting effect and help you focus on the beauty of the world around you.

Getting help for social anxiety is very common and there are a variety of treatment options available. If you're looking for therapy or medication, it is important to start treatment early to ensure that your symptoms don't get out of control, preventing you from living the life you want to live. If you're in need of help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, reputable counselor who can help you deal with your emotions and thrive in everyday life.