5 Reasons Disorder Social Anxiety Is Actually A Great Thing
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
While most of us get nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those who suffer from social anxiety disorders have an intense fear and anxiety that affects their daily lives. It can impact their relationships and careers. And it can cause depression and even addiction to drugs.
Treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication and role-playing, or social skills training. The medications can include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.
Symptoms
Social anxiety disorder is defined by a high level of anxiety and fear when people think that people will judge them negatively based on their behavior. This includes meeting unfamiliar people, eating or drinking in public, or giving speeches or performing. The person can either avoid the feared event or endure it with great distress and anxiety. These feelings are out of proportion to the actual risk or embarrassment involved. They can also lead to major disruptions to daily life and disrupt relationships. People with this condition are less likely of having close relationships with friends or finding work or maintaining close relationships. They also are at a greater risk of developing depression and abuse.
The signs of this disorder may include shaking, blushing or sweating. The person may not be able speak 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 due to poor performance at meetings or in interviews.
In the most severe cases, symptoms of this disorder can cause the sufferer to develop additional anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder, and to have suicidal thoughts. In these situations the treatment is typically more intense and should be directed by with a mental health professional who is skilled in treating these disorders.
Certain psychotherapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be able to aid in treating social anxiety. CBT seeks to alter negative thoughts or beliefs that can trigger the disorder. It also teaches people to face situations that cause anxiety slowly, with the assistance of the therapist in a safe environment. Another type of psychotherapy known as exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure, can be used to help people with extreme social anxiety disorders.
Psychological treatments are usually combined with medications to treat the symptoms of this disorder. These medications can reduce or eliminate the discomforting and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are commonly prescribed for this disorder. Other antidepressants and beta blockers may also be beneficial.
Diagnosis
Most people experience some degree of anxiety in certain social situations. For example, when meeting new people, going out on a date or performing. However, if the fear is so overwhelming that it interferes with daily life and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder may be needed. Also known as social phobia the disorder is not rooted in the person's personality or environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a long-lasting real disease that requires treatment.
A health care provider will usually diagnose a condition by speaking with the patient and conducting a physical examination. The therapist may then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or medication to treat symptoms.
cbt for anxiety disorders of talk therapy can help manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach assists the patient to recognize and alter negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that cause anxiety. It can help people learn to handle stressful situations, like practicing breathing techniques for relaxation or calming. It can also include an exposure therapy that involves gradually exposing the person to the social situations they fear under the guidance of a therapist.
Prescription medications like antidepressants and antianxiety medication can offer relief to many people suffering from social anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), are the first type of medication used to treat this disorder but other drugs may perform equally well. It can take several attempts to find the appropriate medication.
Research has shown that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This can be CBT exposure therapy, or a different type of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is crucial that someone receive treatment for anxiety, as the condition can lead to depression and addictions such as alcohol or drugs. It can also cause issues at work or school and can lead to isolation.
Some people with social anxiety may benefit from expressive therapies, such as art therapy. This helps people express their emotions through painting, drawing or other creative pursuits. It has been proven to decrease the severity of symptoms of anxiety in certain cases.
Treatment
Many people are nervous in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving the presentation. If the anxiety and fear continue, it can become a mental disorder known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It is more than shyness and requires treatment. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, or both.
The first step is to get an assessment from a health care professional, such as a physician or counselor. The doctor will conduct a check to determine if any physical problems are causing your symptoms. They will then recommend you to an expert in mental health for help, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The most popular psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorder is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT you will be guided by a skilled therapist to challenge negative thinking patterns and find more effective ways to handle stressful situations. Additionally, you can practice relaxation techniques and learn to confront your fears in small steps. CBT is usually spread over several sessions. You might be required to complete homework in between sessions.
Antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders and they 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). These medications typically last for several weeks before you start to notice effects, and they can cause negative side effects, such as headache or insomnia.
Medications that block the stimulating effect of adrenaline, such as beta-blockers are also available and may help control certain physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and blood pressure as well as shaking and sweating vocal cords and limbs. These medications are a source of addiction and can cause sedation. Therefore doctors rarely prescribe them to treat social anxiety.
Research shows that children who suffer from social anxiety might be able to overcome it as they grow older, but if the disorder is left untreated it could lead to serious depression and other mental health issues. If your child suffers from severe social anxiety consult your GP about treatment options.
Prevention
It's normal to feel nervous or anxious in a social setting, such as meeting new people or presenting an appearance. However, this feeling can become a problem when it causes disruption to your daily activities and causes you distress. It is more than shyness, and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and work or school performance. It is essential to seek treatment if you're struggling with this disorder. There are a variety of ways to seek help, including therapy, medication, and support groups.
Social anxiety sufferers are aware that their fears could be unfounded or exaggerated, but they are still struggling to overcome their fears. They might avoid social interactions and are unable to access opportunities for education, employment, or friendships. They are also more susceptible to depression or addiction to drugs.
Treatment for social anxiety typically includes talk therapy and strategies for managing stress, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can teach you how to overcome negative, harmful thoughts that contribute to your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced views. They can also utilize role-playing, social skills training and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to help you to gradually confront the situations that cause anxiety in a safe environment.
A few of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be treated with medication, such as heart palpitations and excessive sweating. Before taking any medication, individuals who suffer from social anxiety must discuss the possible side effects with their doctor.
Some mental health professionals recommend avoiding substances that can make your symptoms worse like caffeine, alcohol and other drugs. They might suggest that you get enough rest and eat a balanced diet. They might also suggest to take a walk in nature, which can have an uplifting 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. Whether you're seeking therapy or medication, it's crucial to begin treatment early so that your symptoms don't get out of control, preventing you from living the life you desire. BetterHelp can connect you to a licensed and accredited counselor to help you deal with your feelings.