What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a serious anxiety disorders are characterised by disorder that can hinder with everyday life. While most people feel uncomfortable or anxious when they are 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 drug abuse.

Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication, role-playing, and social skills training. Antidepressants, like beta blockers and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel intense fear or distress in situations where they fear people will observe their behavior and evaluate their behavior negatively. This includes situations such as meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or giving a speech. 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. They also cause major disruptions to daily life and interfere with relationships. People suffering from this condition are less likely to have close relationships, get jobs, or maintain close relationships. They are also more prone to depression and substance abuse.

This disorder may cause sweating, blushing 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 have trouble maintaining an employment position due to poor performance at meetings or in interviews.

In extreme cases, the symptoms of this disorder can cause the sufferer to develop additional anxiety disorders or major depression disorder, as well as suicidal thoughts. In these cases the treatment will be more intense and should be guided 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 disorder. CBT aims at changing negative beliefs or thoughts that contribute to the disorder. It also teaches a person to confront situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the assistance of the therapist in a safe setting. A form of psychotherapy known as exposure and response or cognitive delivered exposure can be used to treat people who suffer from extreme social anxiety.

It is common to use medication in conjunction with psychological therapies to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can reduce the embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms of this disorder social anxiety (official statement). This disorder is usually treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibits such as paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants may also be beneficial.

Diagnosis

Everyone is nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going out on an evening date, or performing a performance. However, when the anxiety is so overwhelming that it interferes with the daily routine, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder could be required. Also called social phobia, the disorder is not based on the individual's personality or environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a real chronic illness that requires treatment.

A medical professional will typically determine if a condition is present by speaking with 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 aid in managing anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method assists a person recognize and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can teach people how to manage stressful situations, including breathing techniques to relax or calm. It can also include an exposure therapy that involves gradually exposing a person to the social situations they are afraid of under the guidance of their therapy therapist.

Many people with social anxiety disorder can find relief by taking prescription medications, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are the most common type of medication used to treat this disorder, but others may work just as well. It may take a few tries to determine the best medication.

Research shows that a combination of treatments is the most efficient. This can be CBT exposure therapy, or another form of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is vital that a person receives treatment for anxiety as it can lead to depression or addictions, such as alcohol and drugs. It can also cause issues at work or at school and can lead to isolation.

People who suffer from social anxiety may benefit from expressive therapies, like art therapy. The therapy teaches people to express themselves through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been demonstrated that in some cases it can help reduce anxiety symptoms to a lesser degree.

Treatment

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

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

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used method of psychotherapy to treat social anxiety disorders. In CBT you will be guided by a trained counselor to confront negative thoughts and discover better ways to deal with stressful situations. In addition, you may try relaxation techniques and learn to face your fears in small steps. CBT is typically spread across several sessions. You might be asked to do homework in 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 medications typically last for several weeks before you notice any effects, and may cause adverse effects like insomnia or headaches.

Medications that block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, including beta-blockers are also available, and may help control certain physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid blood pressure and heart rate, sweating and shaking voice and limbs. These medications are a source of addiction and can cause sedation. Therefore, doctors don't usually prescribe them to treat social anxiety disorders symptoms.

Children suffering from social anxiety might 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 if your child suffers from severe social anxiety disorder.

Prevention

It's normal to be nervous or anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving a presentation, this feeling may become a problem when it affects daily activities and causes anxiety. It's more than shyness. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and work or school performance. If you have issues with this issue it is crucial to seek assistance. There are a variety of options to help including medication, therapy to support groups.

Social anxiety sufferers typically recognize that their fears are unfounded and exaggerated, yet they struggle to overcome them. They may avoid social interaction and do not have the opportunity to gain education, employment, and friendships. They are also at greater risk of depression or addiction to drugs.

Stress management and talk therapy techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation are frequently used to treat social anxiety. A therapist can assist you to overcome the negative, harmful thinking that fuels your social anxiety. They then help you replace these thoughts with more balanced ones. They can also employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as social skills training, ocd and anxiety disorder role-playing to help you deal with situations that make you anxious in a safe environment.

Some of the symptoms associated with social anxiety can be treated by medication, including heart palpitations and excessive sweating. Before taking any medication, individuals with social anxiety should discuss the possible adverse effects with their physician.

Some mental health professionals recommend abstaining from substances such as caffeine, alcohol or other substances that may exacerbate your symptoms. They may suggest that you sleep well and eat a balanced diet. You may be advised to go for a walk, which can help you relax and concentrate on the beauty of nature.

There are a variety of ways to treat social anxiety eating disorder. It is essential to seek treatment promptly, whether seeking therapy or taking medication. This will prevent your symptoms from spiraling out of control. If you require help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, reputable professional who can assist you to manage your emotions and thrive in everyday life.