What Is Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder: Beyond simple shyness

Are you very afraid of being judged by others? Are you very aware of yourself in daily social situations? Do you avoid meeting new people? If you have felt this way for at least six months and these feelings make it difficult for you to do everyday tasks, such as talking to others at work or at school, you may have a social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is a mental health problem. It is an intense and persistent fear of being observed and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It can even make it difficult to make and keep friends. However, social anxiety disorder does not have to stop you from reaching your potential. Treatment can help you overcome your symptoms.

What does it feel like to have a generalized anxiety disorder?

"At school, I was always afraid that teachers would ask me something, even when I knew the answer. I didn't want others to think I was dumb or bored. My heart was beating very hard and I felt dizzy and sick. When I started I didn't like to meet with my boss or have to speak at a meeting, I couldn't even attend the reception for my best friend's wedding because I was afraid to meet new people, I tried to calm down by drinking several glasses of wine before any event and then I started drinking every day to try to face the things I had to do. "

"I finally talked to my doctor because I was tired of feeling this way and I was worried that I could lose my job. Now I am taking medication and I meet with a counselor to talk about how to face my fears. I refuse to turn to alcohol to escape my fears and I'm starting to feel better. "

What Is it a social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a common type of anxiety disorder. People with this disorder have symptoms of anxiety or fear in certain or all social situations, such as when they meet new people, go on dates, have a job interview, answer a question in class or have to talk to a cashier. a store. Even doing simple things in front of other people, such as eating or drinking in front of others or using a public restroom, can cause them anxiety or fear. They are afraid of being humiliated, judged and rejected.

The fear that people with this disorder have in social situations is so strong that they think that controlling it is beyond their capacity. As a result, fear gets in the way of their ability to go to work, attend a school or do everyday things. People with a social anxiety disorder may worry about these and other things for weeks before they occur. Sometimes, they end up not going to places or events where they think they might have to do something to embarrass them.

Some people with this disorder do not have anxiety in social contexts, but rather have performance anxiety. That is, they feel physical symptoms of anxiety in situations such as when they have to give a speech, participate in sports, or dance or play a musical instrument on stage.

In people who are extremely shy, social anxiety disorder usually begins in youth. This disorder is not so rare. Research suggests that about 7 percent of people in the United States are affected. Without treatment, a social anxiety disorder can last for many years or a lifetime and can prevent a person from reaching their full potential.

What are the signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder?

When surrounded by other people or when they have to act in front of someone, people with social anxiety tend to:

·         Redden, sweat, shake or feel that your heart beats very fast or that your "mind goes blank"

·         Having nausea or upset stomach

·         Show a rigid body posture, make little eye contact or speak in an extremely low voice

·         Feeling scared or making it difficult for them to be with other people, especially if they don't know them yet, and having difficulty talking to them even if they wanted to

·         Be very aware of themselves in front of other people and feel ashamed and clumsy

·         Be very afraid of other people judging them

·         Avoid places where there are other people

What causes social anxiety disorder?

Sometimes social anxiety disorder is hereditary, but nobody knows for sure why some family members have it and others don't. Researchers have discovered that fear and anxiety involve various parts of the brain. Some researchers think that a misinterpretation of the behavior of others can play a role in generating or worsening social anxiety. For example, you may think that they are looking at you or frowning when they really are not. Not having well-developed social skills is another possible contributor to social anxiety. For example, if you don't have good social skills, you may feel discouraged after talking with other people and may worry about having to do it again. By learning more about fear and anxiety in the brain, it is possible that scientists can develop better treatments. Researchers are also exploring whether stress and environmental factors can play a role.

How is a social anxiety disorder treated?

First, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. It is important that your doctor do an exam and take your medical history to make sure your symptoms are not caused by an unrelated physical problem. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker or counselor. The first step in achieving an effective treatment is to establish a diagnosis, and that will usually be done by a mental health specialist.

Usually, social anxiety disorder is treated with psychotherapy (sometimes called "dialogue" therapy), medications, or a combination of both. Ask your doctor or other health care provider what is the best treatment for you. If they cannot refer you to a specialist, visit the for resources that may be helpful.

Psychotherapy

A psychotherapy class called cognitively behavioral therapy is especially useful for treating social anxiety disorder. Teach other ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to different situations to feel less anxiety or fear. In addition, it also serves to learn and practice to develop socially. It can be especially useful to perform cognitive behavioral therapy in a group. for more information

Support groups

Many people with social anxiety also find support groups beneficial. In the context of a group in which all people have a social anxiety disorder, you can receive unbiased and honest information about how others in the group see it. In this way, they realize that their thoughts about how others judge and reject it are not real or distorted. You can also learn how other people with social anxiety disorder address and overcome the fear of social situations.

Medicines

There are three types of medications used to treat anxiety disorder:

·         Anxiolytics (medicines to combat anxiety)

·         Antidepressants

·         Beta-blockers or beta-blockers

Anxiolytics are powerful and begin to take effect immediately to reduce feelings of anxiety. However, these medications are usually not taken for long periods of time. People can develop tolerance if they are taken over a long period of time and they may need higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect. Some people may even depend on them. To avoid these problems, doctors usually prescribe anxiolytics for short periods, a practice that is especially conducive to older people.

Although antidepressants are used primarily to treat depression, they also serve to treat the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. In contrast to anxiolytics, antidepressants may take several weeks to begin to take effect. In addition, they can cause side effects, such as headaches, nausea or difficulty sleeping. These side effects are usually not serious for most people, especially if you start with a low dose and gradually increase it. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you have.

Beta-blockers are medications that can help block some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating or trembling. In general, beta-blockers are the preferred medications to treat the type of performance-related social anxiety.

Your doctor will work with you to find the medication, dose, and duration of treatment that is best for you. Many people with social anxiety disorder achieve the best results using a combination of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy or other psychotherapy.

Do not give up treatment too quickly. Both psychotherapy and medication can take some time to achieve results. A healthy lifestyle can also help fight anxiety. Be sure to get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet, and turn to family and trusted friends for support.

For basic information on these and other mental health medications, You can also check the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA)  for the latest information on warnings, patient medication guides or recently approved medications.

How to find help

The mental health treatment program locator

The Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers this resource on the Internet that helps you find mental health disorder treatment facilities and programs. The section of that locator corresponding to Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator indicates the establishments that provide mental health services to people with mental health illnesses. Find an establishment in your state at For additional resources,