What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

While most of us get nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people who suffer from social anxiety disorders have extreme anxiety and fear that can affect their everyday life. It affects their relationships and their careers. And it can cause depression and even alcohol abuse.

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

Signs and symptoms

Social anxiety disorder makes people be in a state of extreme fear or anxiety in situations where do anxiety disorders come from they believe that others will notice their behavior and evaluate them negatively. This includes when they meet people who are unfamiliar, eating or drinking in public, and giving a speech or performance. The person might avoid the fearful situation or endure it with intense distress and anxiety. The anxiety and stress are not in proportion to the danger or embarrassment. They also cause major disruptions to daily life and interfere with relationships. People suffering from this condition are less likely of having close relationships with friends or finding work or maintaining relationships. They are also more vulnerable to depression and substance abuse.

This disorder can cause sweating, blushing or shaking. The patient may be unable to maintain eye contact or communicate clearly. They may tremble when on the phone or when writing, and could have trouble keeping an employment position due to inadequate performance in meetings or interviews.

In extreme cases, the symptoms of this disorder could cause an individual to develop other anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder, and to have suicidal thoughts. In these instances the treatment is typically more intense and should be supervised by an expert in mental health who is skilled in treating these disorders.

Some psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid in treating social anxiety Disorder Social Anxiety. CBT aims to change negative beliefs or thoughts that cause the disorder. It also helps the patient to confront the situations that cause anxiety gradually with the assistance of a therapist and in a safe environment. Another type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention, or cognitive delivered exposure, can be used to help people with extreme social anxiety disorders.

Psychological treatments are usually combined with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce or eliminate the uncomfortable 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 disorder. Beta blockers and other antidepressants may also be beneficial.

Diagnosis

Nearly everyone feels anxious in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going out on an evening date, or performing an appearance. If the fear is so overwhelming that it interferes with your daily life, you may need to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Also known as social phobia the disorder is not based on the individual's personality or environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a genuine, chronic illness that requires treatment.

A medical professional will usually be able to identify the problem by talking with a patient and conducting an examination. The therapist can then recommend psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to help alleviate symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that can help to manage anxiety. This method helps people identify and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that cause anxiety. It can help people learn to cope with stressful situations, like practicing 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 a counselor.

Many people suffering from social anxiety disorder can find relief from prescription medications, including antianxiety drugs and antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are the first type of drug used to treat this disorder, but others may work similarly. Sometimes, it takes several tries to find the right treatment for a particular person.

Research has demonstrated that a combination therapy is most efficient. This can include CBT exposure therapy, or another type of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that someone receive treatment for anxiety as the condition can cause depression and addictions like alcohol or drugs. It can also cause issues at work or school and lead to isolation.

Art therapy, for instance can be beneficial to those suffering from social anxiety. This therapy helps people learn to express themselves through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been proven that in certain instances, it can help reduce the severity symptoms of anxiety.

Treatment

Many people are anxious when they meet new people or deliver a presentation. However, when anxiety and fear continue to linger and it develops into a mental health issue called social anxiety disorder or fear. It's more than shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy or both.

Often, the first step is getting a diagnosis from a health professional like a doctor or a counselor. The doctor will conduct a check to determine if physical problems are causing your symptoms and then refer you to a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The most popular psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders affecting social phobia is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT you will be guided by a skilled therapist to challenge negative thought patterns and find new ways to cope with stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and how to confront your fears by taking one step at a. CBT is typically spread across many sessions. You may be asked to complete homework in between sessions.

Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and they can be effective for some people with 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 medications typically last for several weeks before you begin to feel the effects, and they may cause side effects such as insomnia or headaches.

Beta-blockers are a way to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. They can cause rapid heart rate and blood pressure rise sweating, shaking of the limbs and voice. But because these drugs can cause dependence and induce sedation doctors don't usually prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety.

Children with social anxiety may outgrow the condition as they get older However, if the disorder is not addressed, it could lead to serious depression and mental health issues. Talk to your GP if your child has a severe social anxiety disorder.

The following is a list with preventions.

Although it's normal to feel nervous or anxious in certain social situations like meeting new people or giving a presentation, this feeling can turn into a disorder when it interferes with everyday activities and causes distress. It's more than shyness, and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and even your school or work performance. If you struggle with this condition it is essential to seek help. There are a variety of options meds for social anxiety disorder assistance, from therapy to medication to support groups.

People who suffer from social anxiety typically realize that their fears are not rational and exaggerated, yet they are unable to overcome these fears. They may avoid social interaction and are unable to access opportunities for education, employment, and friendships. They are also at greater risk of depression or abuse of substances.

Stress management and talk therapy techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation are commonly employed to combat social anxiety. A therapist can help you challenge the negative, unhelpful thoughts that trigger your social anxiety. They will then replace these thoughts with more balanced ones. They can also employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training, and role-playing to assist you in tackling the situations that cause anxiety in a secure setting.

Medications can also be used to ease some symptoms of social anxiety such as heart palpitations or sweating. People with this condition must always discuss potential side effects with their doctors prior to starting the treatment.

Some mental health professionals suggest avoiding substances that can cause your symptoms to worsen like caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. They might suggest that you get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. They might also advise you to go for a walk in nature that can have a calming effect and help you concentrate on the beauty of the world around you.

Getting help for social anxiety is quite common and there are numerous treatment options available. Whether you're seeking therapy or medication, it is crucial to begin treatment early so that your symptoms don't spiral out of control and keep you from living the life you want to live. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed and accredited therapist who can help you manage your emotions.