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What is Social Anxiety Disorder? While most of us get nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those with social anxiety disorders experience intense fear and anxiety that interferes with their daily life. It can impact their careers and relationships. It can also lead to depression and addiction to drugs. Treatment can include cognitive behavior therapy, medication, role-playing and social skills training. Antidepressants, such as beta blockers and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed. Symptoms Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel intense fear or distress in situations where they fear others will observe their behavior and judge them negatively. This can include meeting people who are not familiar with them drinking or eating in public, or giving a speech or performance. The person could avoid the situation they fear or endure it with intense anxiety and distress. These feelings are in proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment. They can also cause significant disruptions to daily life and disrupt relationships. People suffering from 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 abuse. Symptoms of this disorder can include shaking, blushing or sweating. The person may not be able to speak clearly or make eye contact. He or she might tremble when speaking on the phone or when writing, and may have trouble keeping a job because of inadequate performance in interviews or meetings. In severe cases, this disorder can result in other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and suicidal thoughts. In these instances the treatment is typically more intense and should be directed by a mental health professional who has expertise in treating these disorders. Some types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help combat social anxiety. CBT aims to change negative thoughts or beliefs that cause the disorder. It also helps a person to confront situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the assistance of the therapist in a safe setting. Another type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention, or cognitive delivered exposure, is used to help people with extreme social anxiety disorder . Psychological treatments are usually combined with medications to treat the symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce the embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are usually prescribed for this disorder. Other antidepressants and beta blockers can also be helpful. Diagnosis Nearly everyone experiences some level of anxiety in certain social settings. For instance, you meet new people, going out on a date or performing. If the fear becomes overwhelming, and it interferes with your daily life it is possible to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Also known as social phobia, the condition is not rooted in a person's personality or the environment. It is different from shyness. It is a chronic real disease that requires treatment. A doctor can usually diagnose the condition by talking with the patient and performing a physical exam. The therapist may then suggest psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to help manage symptoms. Certain kinds of talk therapy can help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach helps a person identify and change negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that cause the anxiety. It can teach people how to cope with stressful situations, like practicing breathing techniques to relax or calm. It could also include an exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing a person to the social situations they fear under the guidance of their therapy therapist. Many people with social anxiety disorder can find relief from prescription medication, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine, (Paxil), and sertraline, (Zoloft) have been used to treat anxiety disorders involving social interaction. However, other drugs could be equally effective. Sometimes, it takes a few tries to find the right medication for a person. Research suggests that a mix of therapies is most efficient. This can include CBT and exposure therapy or other kinds of psychological treatment like interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that someone receive treatment for anxiety because the condition can cause depression and addictions, such as alcohol or drugs. It can also cause issues at work or school and lead to isolation. People who suffer from social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, such as art therapy. This therapy teaches people how 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 People are often anxious in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving a an presentation. However, when anxiety and fear persist, it becomes a mental health disorder called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness and requires treatment. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy or both. Often, the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a health care professional, such as a physician or counselor. They may conduct a look into whether there are any physical ailments that cause the symptoms, and then suggest you see an expert in mental health, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The most common psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorder is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT you will be guided by a trained psychotherapist to rethink negative thought 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 usually takes place over many sessions. You might be asked to complete homework in 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). It could take several weeks for you to start feeling the effects of these medications. They can also trigger side effects like insomnia or headache. Medications that block the stimulating effect of adrenaline, like beta-blockers, are also available and may aid in reducing certain physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as sweating and shaking of voice and limbs. But because these drugs can cause dependence and induce sedation, physicians don't typically prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety. Research suggests that children who have social anxiety can overcome it as they get older, but if the disorder is left untreated, it can result in severe depression and other mental health problems. Consult your GP when your child suffers from 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 interferes with daily activities and causes anxiety. This is more than shyness. It can affect your self esteem as well as relationships, and even the performance at work or at school. It is crucial to seek treatment if you are struggling with this disorder. There are many options to help including medication, therapy to support groups. People who suffer from social anxiety typically recognize that their fears are unfounded and exaggerated, yet they are unable to overcome these fears. They might avoid social interactions and miss out on friendships, education, and employment. They also are at greater risk for depression or substance abuse. Stress management and talk therapy techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are frequently employed to combat social anxiety. A therapist can show you how to overcome negative, destructive thoughts that contribute to your social anxiety 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 deal with situations that make you anxious in a safe setting. The use of medications can also help to alleviate some of the symptoms of social anxiety such as heart palpitations and sweating. Patients suffering from this condition must always discuss possible adverse effects with their doctor prior to taking any medication. Some mental health professionals recommend avoidance of substances such as alcohol, caffeine or other drugs that could exacerbate your symptoms. They might suggest that you sleep enough and eat a balanced diet. You might be advised to take a stroll outside, which can help you relax and focus on the beauty of nature. The need for help with social anxiety is a common thing and there are numerous treatment options available. It is essential to seek treatment early, whether you are seeking therapy or taking medication. This will prevent your symptoms from spiraling out of control. If you're in need of help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, reputable professional who can assist you to cope with your feelings and flourish in your daily life.