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What is Social Anxiety Disorder? Social anxiety disorder is a serious anxiety disorder that can hinder with daily life. Although most people are uncomfortable or nervous when in social situations, people with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and fear. It can affect their careers and relationships. And it can cause depression and even alcohol abuse. Treatment can include cognitive behavior therapy as well as medication, role-playing, and social skills training. Antidepressants, such as beta blockers and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed. Signs and symptoms Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a high level of anxiety and fear when people think that people will judge them negatively based on their conduct. This includes situations such as meeting new people, eating or drinking in public, or delivering speeches. The person could either avoid the feared occasion or suffer extreme anxiety and stress. The anxiety and stress are not in proportion to the danger or embarrassment. They also cause major disturbances in everyday life and affect relationships. People suffering from this condition are less likely to have close relationships, get jobs, or maintain intimate relationships. They also have a higher risk of developing depression and substance abuse. The condition may cause sweating, blushing or shaking. The person might be unable to make eye contact or communicate clearly. They may tremble when on the phone or when writing, and could have trouble keeping the job due to the inability to perform well in meetings or interviews. In the most severe cases, symptoms of this disorder could cause the sufferer to develop additional anxiety disorders or major depression disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. In these instances the treatment will be more intense and should be directed by an expert in mental health who has experience in managing these disorders. Certain psychotherapies, for instance cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may help treat social anxiety disorder. CBT aims to alter negative thoughts or beliefs that contribute to the disorder. It also teaches a person to deal with situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the help of the therapist in a safe environment. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention or cognitively delivered exposure can be utilized to treat those who have extreme social anxiety. Medication is often used in conjunction with psychological therapies to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can reduce or eliminate the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine (Paxil) sertraline (Zoloft) or venlafaxine (Effexor XR), are typically prescribed for this condition. Beta blockers and other antidepressants can also be helpful. Diagnosis Everyone is nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going on an evening date, or performing an event. If the anxiety gets overwhelming and impacts your daily life it is possible to be diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder. Also known as social phobia the condition is not based on a person's personality or the environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a real, chronic disease that requires treatment. A doctor can usually diagnose the condition through a conversation with a patient and conducting an examination. The therapist may then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, or medication to control symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that can help to manage anxiety. This approach helps a person identify and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that cause the anxiety. It can teach someone how to handle stressful situations, such as practicing relaxation techniques and calming breathing. It can also include an exposure therapy that involves gradually exposing the person to the social situations they are afraid of under the guidance of their therapy therapist. Many people with social anxiety disorder get relief by taking prescription medications, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) such as paroxetine, (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) are used to treat anxiety disorders involving social interaction. However, other medications may be equally effective. It can take a number of attempts to find the right medication. Research has proven that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This can be CBT, exposure therapy or another form of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is essential that an individual receives treatment for anxiety as it could lead to depression or addictions such as alcohol and drugs. It can also lead to problems at work or school and lead to isolation. Art therapy, for example, can be beneficial to certain people 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 some cases it can reduce anxiety-related symptoms. Treatment Many people are nervous when they meet new people or give a presentation. When the fear and anxiety persist, it can develop into a mental disorder, known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness, and it requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication or both. The first step is getting a diagnosis from a health professional, such as a physician or counselor. He or she may look into whether there are any physical problems causing the symptoms, and then refer you for a mental health specialist, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. The most popular psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorder s affecting social phobia is cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT). In CBT, you will be guided by a qualified therapist to challenge negative thought patterns and find better ways to deal with stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and ways to face your fears by taking small steps at a time. CBT usually runs over multiple sessions, and you could be required to complete your homework between sessions. Social anxiety disorder can be treated using 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 before you begin feeling the effects of these medications. They can also trigger adverse effects such as insomnia or headache. Medicines that block the stimulant effect of adrenaline, including beta-blockers, are also available, and may assist in controlling certain physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as sweating and shaking of voice and limbs. These medications can be addictive and sedative. Therefore doctors do not usually prescribe these medications to treat social anxiety. Children suffering from social anxiety might be able to overcome the disorder as they grow older however if it's not addressed, it could cause serious depression and mental health issues. Consult your GP if your child suffers from severe social anxiety disorders. Prevention It's normal to be nervous or anxious when you are in a social situation, such as meeting new people or presenting a presentation. However, this feeling can become a problem when it affects your daily routine and causes you distress. It is more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and school or work performance. If you struggle with this condition it is crucial to seek assistance. There are many options to help including medication, therapy to support groups. People with social anxiety usually recognize that their fears are not rational and exaggerated, but they struggle to overcome them. They may avoid social interactions and are unable to access opportunities for education, employment, or friendships, and they are at greater risk of depression or substance abuse. Stress management and talk therapy techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are frequently employed to help with social anxiety. A therapist can help you learn how to overcome negative, destructive thoughts that fuel your anxiety about social situations and replace them with more balanced thoughts. They can also utilize social skills training, role-playing and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to assist you in overcoming the situations that cause anxiety in a safe setting. Additionally, medications can be used to alleviate some of the symptoms of social anxiety such as heart palpitations or sweating. People with this condition should always discuss possible side effects with their doctors prior to taking the treatment. Some mental health professionals suggest avoid substances that could make your symptoms worse like caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. They might suggest that you rest enough and eat healthy food. They might also advise you to go for an outdoor walk which can provide an uplifting effect and help you to focus on the beauty of the world around you. Finding help for social anxiety is very common, and there are many treatment options available. It is essential to seek treatment promptly, whether seeking therapy or medication. This will prevent your symptoms from getting out of control. If you need help, BetterHelp can match you with a certified, licensed counselor who can help you manage your emotions and thrive in everyday life.