What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Although most of us are nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those who suffer from social anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy anxiety disorders have intense fear and anxiety that affects their everyday life. It can impact their relationships and careers. It can also lead to depression and substance abuse.

Treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication and role-playing or social skill training. Antidepressants, including beta blockers and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed.

Signs and symptoms

Social anxiety disorder can cause people to experience extreme anxiety or distress in situations where they believe that others will notice their behavior and evaluate their behavior negatively. This can be the case when meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or giving a speech. The person could either avoid the feared event or endure it with great distress and anxiety. These feelings are not in proportion to the risk or embarrassment. They can also cause major disruptions to daily life and can cause a disruption to relationships. People with this disorder have a lower chance of having close friends and finding a job or maintaining close relationships. They also are at a greater risk of developing depression and substance abuse.

The signs of this disorder may include shaking, blushing or sweating. The patient may not be able speak clearly or maintain eye contact. They may tremble when speaking on the phone or writing, and could have trouble keeping the job due to poor performance during interviews or meetings.

In extreme cases, the symptoms of this disorder could cause the sufferer to develop additional anxiety disorders or a major depressive disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. In these cases the treatment will be more intense and should be guided by an experienced mental health professional who has experience in managing these disorders.

Some psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may help treat social anxiety disorder. CBT aims to change negative thoughts or beliefs that cause the disorder. It also helps the patient to face the situations that trigger anxiety slowly with the help of a therapist and a safe environment. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevent or cognitive delivered exposure can be used to treat people who suffer from extreme social anxiety.

Psychological treatments are often combined with medications to treat the symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. This disorder is usually treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibits like sertraline, paroxetine, or Venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants can also be beneficial.

Diagnosis

Nearly everyone feels anxious in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going out on dates or performing an event. But when the fear becomes overwhelming and interferes with daily life, a diagnosis of a social anxiety disorder might be required. Also called social phobia, the condition is not rooted in a person's personality or the environment and differs from shyness. It is a real, chronic disease that requires treatment.

A health care provider can usually diagnose the condition by talking with patients and conducting a physical exam. The therapist might then suggest psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or medication to treat symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy that can help manage anxiety. This approach helps a person identify and change negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that cause the anxiety. It can help people learn to cope with stressful situations, such as practicing breathing techniques for relaxation or calming. It may also include exposure therapy, which is gradually building up to social situations a person is afraid of with the help of the therapist in a safe environment.

Many people with social anxiety disorder can find relief from prescription medications, including antianxiety drugs and antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) such as paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), have been used to treat social anxiety disorders. However, other drugs may be equally effective. It can take several attempts to find the appropriate medication.

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

Art therapy, for example can be beneficial for some people with social anxiety disorders symptoms. This teaches people to express their emotions through drawing, painting, or other creative pursuits. It has been proven to decrease the intensity of anxiety symptoms in some instances.

Treatment

Many people feel anxious when they meet new people or present an presentation. If the anxiety and fear continue, it can become a mental disorder called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It is more than shyness and requires treatment. Treatment with psychotherapy, medication, or both are possible treatment options.

The first step is getting a diagnosis from a health professional such as a doctor or a counselor. They will examine to see if any physical issues are causing your symptoms. They will then recommend you to an expert in mental health care like a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used method of psychotherapy to treat social anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy disorders. In CBT you will be guided by a skilled therapist to challenge negative thinking patterns and find new ways to cope with stressful situations. Additionally, you can develop relaxation techniques and be taught to confront your fears in small steps. CBT usually takes place over several sessions. You might be asked to complete homework in between sessions.

Antidepressants are often used to treat anxiety disorders and are beneficial for certain people suffering from 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 before you feel the effects of these drugs. They can also trigger unwanted side effects like insomnia or headache.

The use of medications that block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, like beta-blockers are also available and can help control certain physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid blood pressure and heart rate, sweating and shaking voice and limbs. These drugs 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 however if it's not treated, it can lead serious depression and mental health issues. Consult your GP when your child is suffering from severe social anxiety disorder.

Prevention

It's normal to feel nervous or anxious in a social situation, such as meeting new people or giving a presentation. However, this feeling can turn into a disorder if it interferes with your daily activities and causes you distress. It is more than shyness. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and even your school or work performance. It is important to seek treatment if you're struggling with this disorder social Anxiety. Fortunately, there are many options to help including medication, therapy to support groups.

Social anxiety disorder home remedies sufferers are aware their fears might be unfounded or exaggerated, however they are still struggling to overcome them. They might avoid social interactions and do not have the opportunity to gain education, employment, and friendships, and are more likely to be depressed or substance abuse.

Stress management and talk therapy techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are often employed to help with social anxiety. A therapist can help you learn how to confront negative, harmful thoughts that contribute to your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced thoughts. They can also utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training and role-playing in order to assist you in tackling the situations that cause anxiety in a safe setting.

The use of medications can also help to ease some symptoms of social anxiety such as heart palpitations and sweating. People with this condition must always discuss possible side effects with their doctors prior to taking any medication.

Some mental health professionals recommend abstaining from substances such as caffeine, alcohol or other drugs that could exacerbate your symptoms. They might suggest that you take enough rest and eat healthy foods. They may also advise you to go for a walk in nature which can provide a calming effect and help you focus on the beauty around you.

Getting help for social anxiety is very common and there are a variety of treatment options available. Whether you're seeking treatment or medication, it is important to start treatment early to ensure that your symptoms don't get out of control and prevent you from living the life you deserve. If you need help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited therapist who can help you deal with your emotions and flourish in your daily life.