Why Disorder Social Anxiety Is Your Next Big Obsession

What is Social Anxiety Disorder? While most of us get anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those with social anxiety disorders experience extreme anxiety and fear that affects their daily lives. It can impact their careers and relationships. And it can lead to depression and alcohol abuse. Treatment could include cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication, role-playing, and social skills training. Treatment options include antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers. Symptoms Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a high level of anxiety and fear when people believe that others will be negative about them based on their behavior. This includes situations such as meeting new people, eating or drinking in public or giving an address. The person could avoid the situation they fear or suffer from intense anxiety and stress. These feelings aren't in proportion to the risk or embarrassment. They can also lead to major disruptions to everyday life and can cause a disruption to relationships. People with this condition have a lower likelihood of having close friends, finding a job, or maintaining relationships. They are also at higher risk of depression and substance abuse. This condition can cause sweating, blushing, or shaking. The person might not be able to speak clearly or maintain eye contact. He or she may tremble while talking on the phone or writing and find it difficult to keep a job because of poor performance in meetings or interviews. In severe cases, this disorder can cause other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. In these cases, treatment is usually more intense and should be guided by an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating these disorders. Some psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may help treat social anxiety disorder. CBT is designed to alter negative thoughts or beliefs that contribute to the disorder. It also teaches people to confront situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the help of the therapist in a safe setting. Another type of psychotherapy known as exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure, can be utilized to aid people suffering from extreme social anxiety disorder. Psychological treatments are often combined 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 like paroxetine (Paxil) sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), are typically prescribed for this disorder. Beta blockers and other antidepressants can also be helpful. Diagnosis Nearly everyone experiences some level of anxiety in certain social situations. For instance, meeting new people or going out on an evening date or performing. When the fear becomes overwhelming, and it impacts your daily life, you may need to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Also known as social phobia the condition is not rooted in the individual's personality or environment and differs from shyness. It is a genuine, chronic disease that requires treatment. A health care provider will usually diagnose a condition through a conversation with the patient and performing an examination. The therapist will then suggest psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to help manage symptoms. Certain types of talk therapy may help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people recognize and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that cause anxiety. It can teach someone how to handle stressful situations, for example, by practicing relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It could also involve exposure therapy, which is gradually working up to the social situations a person fears with the guidance of a therapist in a safe environment. Many people suffering from social anxiety disorder get relief from prescription medications, including antidepressants and antianxiety medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) have been used to treat social anxiety disorders. However, other medications could be equally effective. It may take a few tries to find the appropriate medication. Research has demonstrated that a combination therapy is the most effective. This can be CBT, exposure therapy or another type of psychological treatment, such as interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that a person receives treatment for anxiety because it can cause depression or addictions, such as alcohol and other drugs. It can also cause issues at school or at work and cause isolation. Certain people suffering from social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, such as art therapy. It teaches people to express their feelings through drawing, painting, or other creative activities and has been proven to reduce the severity of symptoms of anxiety in some instances. Treatment People are often anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving a an presentation. When the fear and anxiety persist, it could develop into a mental disorder, known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness and requires treatment. panic anxiety disorder with psychotherapy or medication are options for treatment. The first step is getting an assessment from a health professional, such as a physician or counselor. They may conduct a check to see if there are any physical problems that are causing the symptoms, and then suggest you see an expert in mental health such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used method of psychotherapy to treat social anxiety disorders. In CBT, you will be guided by a skilled therapist to challenge negative thoughts and discover new ways to cope with stressful situations. In generalized anxiety disorder , you may develop relaxation techniques and be taught to face your fears in small steps. CBT usually takes place in multiple sessions, and you could be asked to complete homework between sessions. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and are effective for some people with 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 several weeks before you begin feeling the effects of these medications. They can also trigger adverse effects such as insomnia or headache. The use of medications that block the stimulating effects of adrenaline, such as beta-blockers are also available and can help control certain physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid heart rate and blood pressure, sweating and shaking voice and limbs. These drugs can be addictive and sedating. Therefore, doctors don't usually prescribe these medications to treat social anxiety. Children with social anxiety may be able to overcome the disorder as they get older however if it's not addressed, it could result in to mental health and depression issues. If your child suffers from severe social anxiety consult your GP about treatment options. Prevention It's normal to be anxious or nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people or giving a presentation, this feeling can become a disorder when it affects daily activities and causes anxiety. This is more than just shyness. It can affect your self esteem, relationships and your work or school performance. If you have issues with this condition it is crucial to seek help. There are a variety of options to help from medication to therapy to support groups. People who suffer from social anxiety typically recognize that their fears are irrational and exaggerated, yet they are unable to overcome them. They may avoid social interaction and are unable to access opportunities for education, employment, and friendships, and they are at greater risk of depression or substance abuse. Treatment for social anxiety usually includes therapy sessions and stress management techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can assist you to challenge the negative, unhelpful thoughts that trigger your social anxiety. They then help you replace these thoughts with more balanced ones. They can also employ social skills training, role-playing and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to assist you in overcoming the situations that cause you anxiety in a safe setting. Medications can also be used to ease some symptoms of social anxiety like heart palpitations and sweating. Before taking any medication, people who suffer from social anxiety must discuss possible adverse effects with their doctor. Some mental health professionals suggest avoidance of substances such as alcohol, caffeine or other drugs that could exacerbate your symptoms. They may recommend that you rest enough and eat a balanced diet. They may also advise you to go for an outdoor walk, which can have a calming effect and help you concentrate on the beauty of the world around you. Getting help for social anxiety is a common thing and there are a variety of treatment options available. It is important to seek treatment promptly, whether seeking therapy or medication. This will prevent your symptoms from becoming out of control. If you require help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited professional who can assist you to manage your emotions and be successful in your everyday life.