What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a serious anxiety disorder that can interfere with daily life. Although most people feel nervous or uncomfortable in social situations, those suffering from social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and fear. It affects their relationships as well as their careers. It can also result in depression and addiction to drugs.

Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy including medication, role-playing, medication and social skills training. Antidepressants, such as beta blockers and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder can cause people to experience extreme anxiety or distress when they are in situations where they think others will observe their actions and judge their behavior negatively. This can include meeting people who are not familiar with them, eating or drinking in public, and giving an address or performance. The person can choose to avoid the occasion or suffer great distress and anxiety. These feelings are in proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment. They can also lead to major interruptions to your daily routine and can cause a disruption to relationships. People with this condition are less likely to make close friends, get jobs, or maintain intimate relationships. They also have a higher risk of depression and substance abuse.

This disorder may cause sweating, blushing, or shaking. The person may not be able to communicate clearly or maintain eye contact. The person may feel tense when talking on the phone or writing and find it difficult to keep an employment position because of poor performance in meetings or in 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 cases the treatment will be more intensive and should be guided by an experienced mental health professional who has expertise in treating these disorders.

Certain kinds of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to in treating social anxiety. CBT is a method of changing negative thoughts or Best drug for generalized anxiety Disorder beliefs which cause the disorder. It also teaches the person to deal with situations that cause anxiety gradually with the assistance of a therapist and a safe environment. A form of psychotherapy known as exposure and response prevent or cognitively delivered exposure can be used to treat people with extreme social anxieties.

Psychological treatments are often paired with medications to treat the symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce or eliminate the painful and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as paroxetine (Paxil) sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), are typically prescribed meds for social anxiety disorder this condition. Other antidepressants and beta blockers can also be helpful.

Diagnosis

Nearly everyone experiences some level of anxiety in certain social situations. For example, when making new acquaintances or going out on a date or performing. But when the fear becomes overwhelming and interferes with daily life and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder might be required. Also known as social phobia, the condition is not rooted in the individual's personality or environment. It is different from shyness. It is a chronic, real illness that requires treatment.

A medical professional typically diagnoses a problem through a conversation with the patient and performing an examination. The therapist can then recommend psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to alleviate symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy that can help manage anxiety. This approach helps the person identify and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations which trigger anxiety. It can teach a person techniques to deal with stressful situations, for example, by practicing relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It can also include an exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing a person the social situations they are afraid of under the guidance of a therapist.

Many people with social anxiety disorder find relief by taking prescription medications, such as antianxiety drugs and antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a good example, like paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), are the first type of best Drug for generalized anxiety disorder used to treat this disorder however, other medications may work equally well. It can take several attempts to find the right medication.

Research suggests that a mix of therapies is the most effective. This can be CBT exposure therapy, CBT, or another form of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that a person receive treatment for anxiety because the condition can cause depression and addictions, like alcohol or drugs. It can also cause problems at work or at school and cause isolation.

Some people with social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, such as art therapy. The therapy teaches people to express themselves through painting, drawing or other creative activities. It has been shown that in certain instances, it can help reduce anxiety symptoms to a lesser degree.

Treatment

Many people are anxious when they meet new people or give presentations. If the anxiety and fear persist, it can develop into a mental disorder, 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.

The first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a health professional, such as a physician or counselor. He or she will check to determine if any physical issues are behind your symptoms and then recommend you to an expert in mental health like a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The most popular psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders affecting social phobia is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In cbt for anxiety disorders, you will be guided by a trained therapist to challenge negative thinking patterns and find new ways to cope with stressful situations. In addition, you may try relaxation techniques and learn to confront your fears in small steps. CBT is usually spread over many sessions. You may be asked to complete homework in between sessions.

Antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders, and can be effective for people with social anxiety disorder. 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 feel the effects of these medications. They may also cause adverse effects such as headache or insomnia.

Medicines that block the stimulant effect of adrenaline, including 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 are a source of addiction and can cause sedation. Therefore doctors do not usually prescribe them to treat social anxiety.

Children with social anxiety may overcome the disorder as they get older however if it's not addressed, it could lead to mental health and depression issues. Consult your GP when your child suffers from severe social anxiety disorder.

Prevention

While it's normal to feel nervous or anxious in certain social situations like meeting new people, or giving an oral presentation, this feeling can become a disorder when it interferes with daily activities and causes anxiety. This condition is more than shyness. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships and your work or school performance. If you have issues with this condition it is essential to seek help. Fortunately, there are many options for help from medication to therapy to support groups.

People with social anxiety usually acknowledge that their fears are not rational and overblown, but they struggle to overcome these fears. They may avoid social interactions and do not have the opportunity to gain education, employment, and friendships. They are also more likely to be depressed or abuse of substances.

Treatment best drug for anxiety disorder social anxiety usually includes therapy sessions and methods for managing stress like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can help you learn how to overcome negative, unhelpful thoughts that fuel your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced perspectives. They can also utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as social skills training and role-playing to help you face the situations that make you feel anxious in a safe environment.

Medications can also be used to alleviate some of the symptoms of social anxiety, such as heart palpitations or sweating. People suffering from this condition must always discuss potential side effects with their doctors before starting the treatment.

Some mental health professionals recommend avoiding substances that can cause your symptoms to worsen such as caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. They may suggest that you sleep enough and eat a balanced diet. It is possible to take a walk outside, which can help you relax and Best Drug For Generalized Anxiety Disorder concentrate on the beauty of nature.

The need for help with social anxiety is a common thing, and there are many treatment options available. If you're looking for treatment or medication, it is crucial to begin treatment early so that your symptoms don't get out of control and keep you from living the life you deserve. If you're in need of help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited professional who can assist you to deal with your emotions and flourish in your daily life.