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 interferes with their daily life. It affects their relationships as well as careers. It can also lead to depression and addiction to drugs.

Treatment could include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, role-playing and social skills training. The medications can include antidepressants like selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder makes people feel intense fear or distress in situations where they fear people will observe their behavior and judge their behavior negatively. This includes meeting unfamiliar people drinking or eating in public, and giving an address or performance. The person could be able to either avoid the fearful event or experience great distress and anxiety. These feelings aren't in proportion to the danger or embarrassment. They also cause major disturbances in everyday life and affect relationships. People suffering from this disorder have a lower chance of having close relationships with friends and finding a job or maintaining close relationships. They are also at higher risk of developing depression and abuse.

This condition may cause sweating, blushing, or shaking. The patient may not be able speak clearly or maintain eye contact. They may tremble when on the phone or when writing, and may be unable to maintain a job because of inadequate performance in interviews or meetings.

In extreme cases, this disorder can cause other anxiety disorders, major depression disorder and suicidal ideation. In these cases, treatment is usually more intensive and should be guided by a mental health professional with expertise in managing these disorders.

Certain types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to in treating social anxiety. CBT seeks to change negative beliefs or thoughts that cause the disorder. It also helps a person to confront situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the help of a therapist in a safe setting. Another type of psychotherapy known as exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure, is used to help people with extreme social anxiety disorder.

Medication is often used in conjunction with psychological treatments to treat symptoms of this disorder. The medications can lessen or eliminate the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. This disorder is usually treated 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 instance, you meet new people or going out on an evening date, or performing. But when the fear is so overwhelming that it interferes with everyday life, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder might be required. Also known as social phobia the condition is not rooted in a person's personality or the environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a real chronic disease that requires treatment.

A health care provider will usually diagnose a condition by talking to the patient and performing a physical examination. The therapist will then suggest psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to manage symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy that can help manage anxiety. This approach helps the person recognize and alter negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can help a person learn techniques to deal with stressful situations, including practicing relaxation techniques and calm breathing. It may also include exposure therapy, which entails gradually building up to social situations a person is afraid of with the help of a therapist in a safe environment.

Prescription common Medications for Anxiety disorders like antidepressants and antianxiety medication can be a relief for sufferers of social anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine, (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), have been used to treat social anxiety disorders. However, other medications may be equally effective. It can take several attempts to find the right medication.

Research has demonstrated that a combination therapy is the most effective. This can be CBT exposure therapy, CBT, or another type of psychological treatment, such as interpersonal therapy. It is important that people seek treatment for anxiety disorder diagnosis, as the condition can lead to depression and addictions, like drugs or alcohol. It can also cause problems at school or at work and cause isolation.

Art therapy, for example can be beneficial for those suffering from social anxiety. It teaches people to express their emotions through drawing, painting, or other creative activities. It has been shown to reduce the severity of anxiety-related symptoms in some instances.

Treatment

People are often anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving a a 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 to overcome. Treatment with psychotherapy or medication, or both are treatment options that could be considered.

The first step is getting an assessment from a health care professional, such as a physician or a counselor. The doctor or counselor will check to see if there are any physical ailments that cause the symptoms, and refer you for an expert in mental health, like a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The most commonly used psychotherapy to treat social anxiety disorder is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT the therapist or counselor helps you overcome negative patterns of thinking and develop better strategies to manage stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and ways to face your fears by taking small steps at a time. CBT is usually spread over many sessions. You may be required to complete homework between sessions.

Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, and they can be beneficial for certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder social disorder. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) are often prescribed cure for anxiety disorder this condition, as well as the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). It can take several weeks for you to feel the effects of these drugs. They may also cause side effects like headaches or insomnia.

Medications that block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, such as beta-blockers are also available and may help control some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as sweating and shaking of voice and limbs. But since these medications can cause dependence and induce sedation, physicians don't typically prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety.

Research suggests that children with social anxiety can overcome it as they grow older however, if the disorder is not treated, it can cause severe depression and other mental health problems. Speak to your GP if your child has a severe social anxiety disorders.

Prevention

It's normal to be nervous or anxious in certain social situations like meeting new people, or giving a presentation, this feeling may become a problem when it affects daily activities and causes distress. It is more than shyness. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and school or work performance. If you struggle with this condition it is crucial to seek assistance. There are many ways to seek help that include treatment, medication, and support groups.

People who suffer from social anxiety typically realize that their fears are unfounded and exaggerated, yet they struggle to overcome them. They may avoid social interaction and how long do anxiety disorders last not have the opportunity to gain education, employment, and friendships, and are more likely to be depressed or substance abuse.

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

Some of the symptoms associated with social anxiety can be treated with medication, such as heart palpitations and excessive sweating. People with this condition should discuss potential adverse reactions with their physicians prior to taking any medication.

Some mental health professionals suggest abstaining from substances that can cause your symptoms to worsen, including caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. They may recommend that you sleep enough and eat a healthy diet. They might also suggest to take a walk in nature, which can have an uplifting effect and help you concentrate on the beauty around you.

There are many methods to manage social anxiety. It is crucial to seek treatment early, whether you're seeking therapy or medication. This will stop your symptoms from spiraling out of control. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed and accredited counselor to help you manage your feelings.