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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

While we all get nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those with social anxiety disorders experience an intense fear and anxiety that interferes with their everyday life. It can impact their careers and relationships. And it can lead to depression and substance abuse.

Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication and role-playing, or social skills training. Medications may include antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel intense fear or distress in situations where they believe others will observe their behavior and evaluate them negatively. This includes situations such as meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or delivering a speech. The person could avoid the situation they fear or endure it with intense distress and anxiety. These emotions are out of proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment involved. They also cause significant disruptions to daily life and interfere with relationships. People suffering from this condition are less likely to make close friends, get jobs, or maintain their intimate relationships. They are also more prone to depression and substance abuse.

This condition can cause sweating, blushing or shaking. The person might be unable to keep eye contact or communicate clearly. They may tremble when on the phone or writing, and may have difficulty maintaining a job because of the inability to perform well during interviews or meetings.

In severe cases, the symptoms of this disorder can cause the sufferer to develop additional anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder, and to have suicidal thoughts. In these instances the treatment is typically more intense and should be directed by a mental health professional who is skilled in treating these disorders.

Certain types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help treat social anxiety disorder. CBT is a method of changing negative beliefs or thoughts that contribute to the disorder. It also helps the patient to face the situations that cause anxiety gradually with the help of a therapist and in a safe environment. Another form of psychotherapy, known as exposure and response prevention, or cognitive delivered exposure, is used to help people with extreme social anxiety disorder.

Psychological treatments are often paired with medications to treat the symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms associated with 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 are also effective.

Diagnosis

Nearly everyone feels anxious in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going out on dates or performing an appearance. If the anxiety becomes overwhelming, and it affects your daily routine, you may need to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. The condition, also known as social anxiety disorder is not based on the person's personality or their environment. It differs from shyness. generalised anxiety disorder is a persistent, real illness that requires treatment.

A doctor is able to diagnose the condition by speaking to a patient and conducting an examination. The therapist may then suggest psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to alleviate symptoms.

Certain kinds of talk therapy can help with anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people to recognize and alter negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that cause the anxiety. It can teach people how to manage stressful situations, such as practicing relaxation techniques or calming breathing. It can also include an exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing a person to the social situations they are afraid of under the guidance of a therapy therapist.

Many people suffering from social anxiety disorder get relief by taking prescription medications, such as antianxiety drugs and antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), are the primary type of drug used to treat this condition, but others may work just as well. Sometimes, it takes several attempts to determine the most appropriate medication for an individual.

Research has shown that a combination of therapies is most effective. This could include CBT and exposure therapy or other forms of psychological treatment, like interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that a person receive treatment for anxiety because the condition can lead to depression and addictions like alcohol or drugs. It can also cause issues at work or at school and can lead to isolation.

Some people with social anxiety may benefit from expressive therapies, like art therapy. This therapy helps people learn to express themselves through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been shown that in certain instances, it can help reduce anxiety-related symptoms.

Treatment

Many people feel anxious when they meet new people or give an presentation. But when anxiety and fear continue to linger in the long run, it can lead to a mental health issue known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than just shyness, and requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, or both.





A health professional, such as counselor or doctor is often able to provide a diagnosis. The doctor or counselor will check to see if there are any physical ailments that cause symptoms, and then recommend you to a mental health specialist, like psychologist or psychiatrist.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common method of psychotherapy to treat social anxiety disorders. In CBT therapy, a certified therapist or counselor helps you challenge negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies to cope with stressful situations. Additionally, you can try relaxation techniques and learn to confront your fears in small steps. CBT usually takes place over several sessions, and you could be required to complete homework between sessions.

Social anxiety disorder can be treated with 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 begin to notice effects, and they may cause side effects such as headache or insomnia.

Beta-blockers are available to help control the physical symptoms of anxiety. Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of. They can cause rapid heart rate as well as high blood pressure sweating, shaking of the limbs and voice. These medications can be addictive and sedating. Therefore doctors do not usually prescribe these medications to treat social anxiety.

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. Consult your GP if your child has a severe social anxiety disorders.

Prevention

It's normal to feel anxious or anxious in a social context, such as meeting new people or presenting presentations. However, this anxiety can turn into a disorder when it causes disruption to your everyday activities and causes anxiety. It is more than shyness, and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and work or school performance. If you struggle with this condition it is essential to seek assistance. Fortunately, there are many options for assistance including medication, therapy to support groups.

Social anxiety sufferers are aware their fears might be unfounded or exaggerated, however they still struggle to overcome their fears. They may avoid social interaction and miss out on opportunities for education, employment, or friendships. They are also at greater risk of depression or abuse of substances.

Stress management and talk therapy techniques like mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are commonly employed to help with social anxiety. A therapist can teach you how to challenge negative, harmful thoughts that fuel your social anxiety and replace them with more balanced views. They can also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training, and role-playing to help you deal with situations that cause anxiety in a secure setting.

A few of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be treated by medication, such as excessive sweating and heart palpitations. Before taking any medication, individuals who suffer from social anxiety should discuss the possible adverse effects with their physician.

Some mental health professionals recommend avoiding substances like caffeine, alcohol, or drugs that can cause more symptoms. They may recommend that you get enough rest and eat healthy foods. You might be advised to take a stroll outside, which can help you relax and focus on the beauty of nature.

There are many ways to treat social anxiety. Whether you're seeking therapy or medication, it's essential to begin treatment early to ensure that your symptoms don't get out of control, preventing you from living the life you deserve. BetterHelp can connect you to an accredited and licensed counselor to help you deal with your feelings.