What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

While we all get anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people with social anxiety disorder have intense fear and anxiety that affects their daily lives. It can affect their careers and relationships. It can also result in depression and substance abuse.

Treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication and role-playing or social skill training. Treatment options 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 others will criticize them for their behavior. This can include meeting people who are not familiar with them drinking or eating in public, or giving a speech or performance. The person can either avoid the feared event or endure it with great distress and anxiety. These emotions are out of proportion to the actual danger or embarrassment involved. They can also lead to major interruptions to your daily routine and can cause a disruption to relationships. People with this condition are less likely of having close relationships with friends and finding a job or maintaining relationships. They are also more vulnerable to depression and addiction issues.

This disorder can cause blushing, sweating or shaking. The person may not be able to keep eye contact or speak clearly. He or she might tremble when on the phone or when writing, and could be unable to maintain the job due to the inability to perform well in meetings or interviews.

In severe cases, this disorder can result in other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder and suicidal thinking. In these cases the treatment is typically more intensive and should be guided an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating these disorders.

Some psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be able to aid in treating social anxiety. CBT seeks to change negative beliefs or thoughts that can trigger the disorder. It also teaches a person to face situations that cause anxiety slowly, with the help of the therapist in a safe environment. A form of psychotherapy known as exposure and response or cognitive delivered exposure may be used to treat individuals who have extreme social anxiety.

Psychological treatments are often paired with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can reduce the embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with this disorder. This disorder is usually treated by sever serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, or Venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants can also be beneficial.

Diagnosis

Nearly everyone feels nervous in social situations, like meeting new people, going out on dates or performing an appearance. If the fear becomes overwhelming, and it affects your daily routine it is possible to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Also called social phobia, the disorder is not based on a person's personality or the environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a genuine, chronic disease that requires treatment.

A medical professional will typically determine if a condition is present by 023">high functioning anxiety disorder, as the condition can cause depression and addictions, like drugs for anxiety disorder or alcohol. It can also cause issues at work or at school and can lead to isolation.

Some people with social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, such as art therapy. This therapy teaches people how to express themselves through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been shown that in certain cases, it can lessen the severity symptoms of anxiety.

Treatment

Many people feel anxious when they meet new people or give presentations. If the anxiety and fear continue, it can become a mental disorder known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It is more than shyness and requires treatment. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, or both.

A health professional, such as a doctor or counselor will often be able to give an assessment. They will examine to determine if any physical problems are causing your symptoms and then recommend you to an expert in mental health care like psychiatrist or psychologist.

The most common psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorder is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT the therapist or counselor helps you overcome negative patterns of thinking and develop better strategies to handle stressful situations. You may also learn relaxation techniques and ways to face your fears one step at a time. CBT is typically spread across many sessions. You may be required to complete homework between sessions.

Antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders and are effective for people with social generalized anxiety disorder test 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). It can take up to several weeks before you feel the effects of these drugs. They can also trigger adverse effects such as headaches or insomnia.

Beta-blockers are a way to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of. These include a rapid heart rate and blood pressure rise, sweating, and shaking of the voice and limbs. But because these drugs are sedating and habit-forming and sedating, doctors do not typically prescribe them for the general treatment of social anxiety.

Children who suffer from social anxiety may overcome the disorder as they get older However, if the disorder is not addressed, it could lead to serious depression and mental health issues. If your child is suffering from severe social anxiety talk to your GP about treatments options.

The following is a list with preventions.

It's normal to feel nervous or anxious in a social context for example, when you meet new people or giving a presentation. However, this feeling could turn into a disorder when it affects your daily routine and causes anxiety. This is more than just shyness. It can affect your self esteem, relationships and school or work performance. It is crucial to seek treatment if you are struggling with this issue. There are a variety of ways to get help, that include therapy, medication, as well as support groups.

People who suffer from social anxiety typically recognize that their fears are irrational and exaggerated, but they are unable to overcome them. They may avoid social interactions and are unable to access opportunities for education, employment, or friendships. They are also more likely to be depressed or substance abuse.

Treatment for social anxiety often involves talk therapy and stress management techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can teach you how to challenge negative, unhelpful thoughts that contribute to your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced perspectives. They can also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as social skills training and role-playing in order to help you face the situations that cause anxiety in a safe setting.

A few 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, those who suffer from social anxiety must discuss the potential adverse effects with their doctor.

Some mental health professionals recommend abstaining from substances that can make your symptoms worse like alcohol, caffeine and other drugs. They may recommend that you sleep well and eat a healthy diet. They might also advise you to take walks in the nature, which can have a calming effect and help you concentrate on the beauty of the world around you.

There are a variety of ways to manage social anxiety. If you're looking for therapy or medication, it's crucial to begin treatment early to ensure that your symptoms don't spiral out of control, preventing you from living the life you want to live. BetterHelp can connect you with an accredited and licensed therapist to help you manage your feelings.