What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Although most of us are anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people who suffer from social anxiety disorders have intense fear and anxiety that can affect their daily life. It affects their relationships and careers. It can also cause depression and best drug for anxiety disorder abuse.

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

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel intense fear or distress when they are in situations where they think others will observe their actions and judge their behavior negatively. This can be the case when meeting new people, eating or drinking in public, or delivering speeches. The person could avoid the feared situation or suffer from intense distress and anxiety. These feelings are in proportion to the actual danger or embarrassment involved. They can also cause major disruptions to daily life and disrupt relationships. People with this condition are less likely of having close friends, finding a job, or maintaining relationships. They are also more susceptible to depression and substance abuse.

The condition can cause blushing, sweating, or shaking. The person might not be able to speak clearly or maintain eye contact. He or she might tremble when on the phone or when writing, and may have difficulty maintaining an employment position due to poor performance in interviews or meetings.

In the most severe cases, symptoms of this disorder could cause an individual to develop other anxiety disorders or Disorder Social Anxiety major depression disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. In these cases the treatment is typically more intensive and should be guided a mental health professional who has expertise in treating these disorders.

Certain psychotherapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may aid in treating social anxiety disorder. CBT seeks to change negative thoughts or beliefs that can trigger the disorder. It also teaches the person to deal with situations that cause anxiety gradually with the help of a therapist and an environment that is safe. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure may be used to treat individuals who suffer from extreme social generalized anxiety disorder symptoms.

Psychological treatments are often paired with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can reduce the embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like paroxetine (Paxil) sertraline (Zoloft) or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are commonly prescribed for this condition. Beta blockers and other antidepressants may also be beneficial.

Diagnosis

Everyone is nervous in social situations, such as meeting new people, going out on an evening date, or performing an event. But when the fear is so overwhelming that it interferes with daily life, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder may be needed. The condition, referred to as social anxiety disorder, is not based on the person's personality or their environment. It is distinct from shyness. It is a long-lasting real illness that requires treatment.

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

Certain types of talk therapy may aid in managing anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations which trigger anxiety. It can help people learn to handle stressful situations, like practicing relaxation techniques or calming breathing. It can also include an exposure therapy which involves gradually exposing a person the social situations they fear under the guidance of their therapist.

Prescription medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications can provide relief for many sufferers of social anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline, (Zoloft) are used to treat social anxiety disorder. However, other drugs may be equally efficient. It can take a number of attempts to find the right medication.

Research has shown that a combination of treatments is the most effective. This could include CBT and exposure therapy or other types of psychological treatment like interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that someone receive treatment for anxiety, as the condition can lead to depression and addictions like alcohol or drugs. It can also cause issues at school or work and cause isolation.

Art therapy, for instance can be beneficial to those suffering from social anxiety. This therapy helps people learn to express themselves through painting, drawing or other creative activities. It has been shown that in certain cases, it can help reduce anxiety-related symptoms.

Treatment

Most people feel nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people or giving a a presentation. If the anxiety and fear persist, it could develop into a mental disorder called social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, or both.

A health professional like counselor or doctor will often be able to give a diagnosis. He or she may look into whether there are any physical problems that cause the symptoms, and then refer you best medicine for anxiety disorder an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The most commonly used psychotherapy to treat anxiety disorders affecting social phobia is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, you will be guided by a qualified counselor to confront negative thought patterns and find new ways to cope with stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and ways to face your fears by taking one step at a. CBT usually takes place over several sessions. You may be asked to do 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 can take up to several weeks before you start feeling the effects of these medications. They may also cause unwanted side effects like headaches or insomnia.

Beta-blockers are available to help control the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy. These include a rapid heart rate as well as high blood pressure, sweating, and shaking of the limbs and voice. These drugs can be addictive and sedating. Therefore doctors rarely prescribe these medications to treat social anxiety.

Research has shown that children with social anxiety can overcome it as they grow older however, if the disorder is not treated, it can result in severe depression and other mental health problems. If your child suffers from severe social anxiety disorder talk to your GP about treatment options.

Prevention

Although it's normal to feel nervous or anxious in certain social situations like meeting new people or giving the presentation, this anxiety can turn into a disorder social anxiety when it affects daily activities and causes anxiety. It's more than shyness. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships and school or work performance. It is important to seek treatment if struggling with this disorder. There are many ways to seek help that include therapy, medication, as well as support groups.

People with social panic anxiety disorder usually recognize that their fears are irrational and overblown, but they struggle to overcome them. They may avoid social interaction and are unable to participate in friendships, education, and employment. They also are more susceptible to depression or abuse of substances.

Treatment for social anxiety usually includes therapy sessions and strategies for managing stress, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can teach you how to overcome negative, harmful thoughts that cause your social anxiety and replace them with more balanced thoughts. They can also utilize 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 setting.

A few of the symptoms associated with social anxiety can be cured by medication, such as excessive sweating and heart palpitations. People with this condition must always discuss possible side effects with their doctors before starting the treatment.

Some mental health professionals suggest avoiding substances like caffeine, alcohol or other substances that may exacerbate your symptoms. They may recommend that you sleep well and eat a healthy, balanced diet. You may be advised to go for a walk to aid in relaxing and focusing on the beauty of nature.

There are a variety of ways to treat social anxiety. Whether you're seeking treatment or medication, it's essential to begin treatment early so that your symptoms don't get out of control and keep you from living the life you want to live. BetterHelp can connect you to an accredited and licensed counselor to help you manage your emotions.