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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is a serious anxiety disorder that can hinder with everyday life. While 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 affect their relationships and careers. It can also cause depression and substance abuse.
Treatment may include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), medication, and role-playing, or social skills training. I Am Psychiatry may include antidepressants like selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.
Signs and symptoms
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel intense fear or distress in situations where they fear people will observe their behavior and judge them negatively. This includes meeting unfamiliar people drinking or eating in public, or giving a speech or performance. The person might avoid the situation they fear or endure it with intense distress and anxiety. These feelings aren't in proportion to the danger or embarrassment. They can also cause major disruptions to daily life and can cause a disruption to relationships. People suffering from this condition are less likely to make close relationships, get jobs, or maintain intimate relationships. They are also at higher risk of developing depression and substance abuse.
The symptoms of this disorder could include shaking, blushing or sweating. The person might not be able to speak clearly or maintain eye contact. He or she might tremble when talking on the telephone or when writing, and could be unable to maintain an employment position due to the inability to perform well in meetings or interviews.
In severe cases, the symptoms of this disorder may cause an individual to develop other anxiety disorders or major depression disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. In these cases the treatment will be more intensive and should be guided by an experienced mental health professional who has expertise in managing these disorders.
Some types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to combat social anxiety. CBT aims at changing negative thoughts or beliefs that contribute to the disorder. It also helps a person to confront situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the assistance of an experienced therapist in a secure environment. Another form of psychotherapy, called exposure and response prevention, or cognitive delivered exposure, can be used to help people with extreme social anxiety disorder.
The use of medication is usually in conjunction with psychological treatments to alleviate symptoms of this disorder. These medications can reduce the embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms associated with this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are usually prescribed for this condition. Beta blockers and other antidepressants are also effective.
Diagnosis
Everybody experiences some level of anxiety in certain social situations. For instance, meeting new people, going out on an evening date, or performing. However, when the anxiety gets overwhelming and affects everyday life and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder might be required. The condition, which is also known as social anxiety disorder, is not based solely on the personality of the person or their environment. It is distinct from shyness. It is a persistent real illness that requires treatment.
A medical professional is able to diagnose the condition by talking with the patient and performing an examination. The therapist may then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or medication to treat symptoms.
Certain kinds of talk therapy can help with anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people identify and change negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can teach people how to handle stressful situations, like practicing breathing techniques to relax or calm. It can also include exposure therapy, which entails gradually building up to social situations that one is scared of, with the guidance of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.
Prescription medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines can provide relief for many sufferers of social anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), are the most common type of drug used to treat this disorder but other drugs may perform just as well. Sometimes, it takes a few attempts to find the best treatment for a particular person.
Research has shown that a combination of treatments is the most efficient. This can include CBT, exposure therapy or a different type of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that individuals receive treatment for anxiety as it could lead to depression or addictions like alcohol and drugs. It can also lead to issues at school or at work and cause isolation.
Certain people suffering from social anxiety may benefit from expressive therapies, like art therapy. This helps people express their feelings through drawing, painting, or other creative pursuits. It has been proven to reduce the intensity of anxiety symptoms in certain cases.
Treatment
Many people feel anxious when they meet new people or present an presentation. If the anxiety and fear persist, it can develop into a mental disorder called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness and requires treatment. Therapy or medication are treatment options that could be considered.
The first step is getting an accurate diagnosis from a health care professional, such as a physician or a counselor. He or she will check to see if any physical issues are behind your symptoms. They will then refer you to an expert in mental health for help, such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used type of psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorder. In CBT the counselor or therapist helps you overcome negative patterns of thinking and develop better strategies to cope with stressful situations. Additionally, you can try relaxation techniques and learn to face your fears in small steps. CBT usually takes place over several sessions, and you could be required to complete assignments 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 drugs typically take a few weeks before you begin to notice any effects, and can cause adverse effects like insomnia or headaches.
Beta-blockers can help alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of. These include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure sweating, shaking of the voice and limbs. These drugs can be addictive and sedative. Therefore, doctors don't usually prescribe them to treat social anxiety.
Children who suffer from social anxiety may overcome the disorder as they get older however if it's not treated, it can cause serious depression and mental health issues. If your child has severe social anxiety disorder consult your GP about treatments options.
Prevention
While it's normal to feel nervous or anxious in certain social situations, like meeting new people, or giving the presentation, this anxiety can turn into a disorder when it interferes with everyday activities and causes distress. It is more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and even your school or work performance. If you are struggling with this issue it is crucial to seek assistance. There are numerous ways to seek help including treatment, medication, and support groups.
People who suffer from social anxiety typically recognize that their fears are irrational and exaggerated, yet they struggle to overcome these fears. They might avoid social interactions and are unable to participate in friendships, education, and employment. They are also more susceptible to depression or addiction to drugs.
Treatment for social anxiety usually includes therapy sessions and strategies for managing stress, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can assist you to overcome the negative, harmful thoughts that trigger 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, and role-playing to help you deal with situations that make you feel anxious in a secure setting.
A few of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be cured by medication, including excessive sweating and heart palpitations. Before taking any medication, people with social anxiety should discuss possible adverse effects with their physician.
Some mental health professionals recommend abstaining from substances that can cause your symptoms to worsen like alcohol, caffeine and other drugs. They may suggest that you sleep enough and eat a balanced diet. You might be advised to go for a walk which will help you relax and concentrate on the beauty of nature.
There are many methods to treat social anxiety. Whether you're seeking therapy or medication, it's important to start treatment early so that your symptoms don't spiral out of control, preventing you from living the life you deserve. If you require help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited professional who can assist you to cope with your feelings and thrive in everyday life.
