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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
While most of us get nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those with social anxiety disorders experience intense fear and anxiety that interferes with their daily lives. It can impact their careers and relationships. It can also lead to depression and substance abuse.
Treatment could include cognitive behavioral therapy including medication, role-playing, medication and social skills training. Antidepressants, like beta blockers and selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed.
Signs and symptoms
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel intense fear or distress in situations where they fear that others will notice their actions and judge them negatively. This can include situations like meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or delivering an address. The person could be able to either avoid the fearful event or experience great distress and anxiety. These feelings are in proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment involved. They can also cause significant disruptions to everyday life and disrupt relationships. People suffering from this condition are less likely to make close friends, get jobs, or maintain close relationships. They are also more susceptible to depression and addiction issues.
The symptoms of this disorder could include shaking, blushing, or sweating. The patient may be unable to make eye contact or speak clearly. They may be frightened when speaking on the phone or writing and find it difficult to keep an employment position because of poor performance in meetings or interviews.
In severe cases, the symptoms of this disorder may cause an individual to develop other anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. In these situations the treatment is generally more intensive and should be directed by with a mental health professional who is experienced in treating these disorders.
Certain kinds of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful to in treating social anxiety. CBT aims to alter negative thoughts or beliefs that cause the disorder. It also teaches a person to confront situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure setting. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure may be used to treat people who have extreme social anxiety.
Psychological treatments are usually combined with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can alleviate the embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with this disorder. The treatment for this disorder is typically with selective serotonin reuptake inhibits such as paroxetine, sertraline or venlafaxine. Other antidepressants and beta blockers are also effective.
Diagnosis
Nearly everyone experiences some level of anxiety in certain social settings. For example, when meeting new people or going out for an evening date, or performing. However, when the anxiety is so overwhelming that it interferes with everyday life, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder could be required. Also called social phobia, the condition is not based on the individual's personality or environment and differs from shyness. It is a genuine, chronic illness that requires treatment.
A health care provider will typically determine if a condition is present by talking to the patient and performing a physical examination. The therapist may then suggest psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to manage symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one kind of therapy that helps manage anxiety. This method assists a person identify and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that cause anxiety. mixed anxiety disorder can teach a person techniques to deal with stressful situations, for example, by using relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It can also include exposure therapy, which is gradually preparing for social situations a person fears with the guidance of the therapist in a safe environment.
Antidepressants, prescription medications, and antianxiety medication can be a relief for people with social anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), like paroxetine, (Paxil) and sertraline, (Zoloft), have been used to treat social anxiety disorders. However, other medications could be equally efficient. It can take a number of attempts to find the appropriate medication.
Research shows that a combination of therapies is the most effective. This may include CBT and exposure therapy, or other kinds of psychological treatment like interpersonal therapy. It is vital that individuals receive treatment for anxiety because it can lead to depression or addictions such as alcohol and other drugs. It can also lead to problems at school or at work and can cause isolation.
Art therapy, as an example can be beneficial for some people with social anxiety. This therapy teaches people how to express themselves through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been demonstrated that in some cases it can reduce the severity symptoms of anxiety.
Treatment
Many people feel anxious when they meet new people or present an presentation. When the fear and anxiety continue, it can become a mental disorder called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than just shyness, and requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication or both.
Often, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis from a health care professional, such as a physician or a counselor. He or she will check to determine if any physical issues are behind your symptoms and then recommend you to a mental health professional for help, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The most common psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, you will be guided by a skilled psychotherapist to rethink negative thinking patterns and find more effective ways to handle stressful situations. Additionally, you'll be able to try relaxation techniques and learn to face your fears in small steps. CBT usually runs over several sessions, and you could be required to complete homework between sessions.
Antidepressants are often used to treat anxiety disorders and they can be effective for people with social anxiety disorders. 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 for you to start feeling the effects of these medications. They can also trigger side effects like insomnia or headache.
The use of medications that block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, like beta-blockers, are also available and may help control certain physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as sweating and shaking of voice and limbs. These medications can be addictive and sedating. Therefore, doctors don't usually prescribe them to treat social anxiety.
Children suffering from social anxiety might be able to overcome the disorder as they get older, but if it is not treated, it can lead to mental health and depression issues. If your child has severe social anxiety disorder consult your GP about treatment options.
Prevention
It's normal to feel nervous or anxious in a social situation, such as meeting new people or making a presentation. However, this feeling can become a problem if it interferes with your daily routine and causes anxiety. It is more than shyness, and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and work or school performance. It is essential to seek treatment if you are struggling with this disorder. There are a variety of options for assistance from medication to therapy to support groups.
Social anxiety sufferers are aware that their fears might be unfounded or exaggerated, however they struggle to overcome their fears. They might avoid social interactions and miss out on opportunities for education, work, and friendships. They are also more susceptible to depression or addiction to drugs.
Talk therapy and stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are often used to treat social anxiety. A therapist can help you learn how to challenge negative, unhelpful thoughts that cause your social anxiety and replace them with more balanced views. They can also use role-playing, social skills training, and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to assist you in overcoming the situations that cause you anxiety in a secure environment.
The use of medications can also help to ease some symptoms of social anxiety, like heart palpitations and sweating. Before taking any medication, people with social anxiety should discuss the possible adverse effects with their physician.
Some mental health professionals recommend avoiding substances like caffeine, alcohol or other substances that may increase the severity of your symptoms. They might suggest that you rest enough and eat healthy foods. You may be advised to take a walk outside which will help you relax and concentrate on the beauty of nature.
The need for help with social anxiety is very common and there are numerous treatment options available. It is important to seek treatment early, whether you're seeking therapy or taking medication. This will stop your symptoms from spiraling out of control. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed and accredited therapist who can help you manage your emotions.
