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What is Social Anxiety Disorder? While we all get anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations, people who suffer from social anxiety disorders have extreme anxiety and fear that can affect their daily lives. It can affect their careers and relationships. It can also lead to depression and drug abuse. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication and role-playing or social skill training. Treatment options include antidepressants, like selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers. Signs and symptoms Social anxiety disorder makes people be in a state of extreme fear or anxiety in situations where they believe people will observe their behavior and judge them negatively. This includes meeting unfamiliar people, eating or drinking in public, or giving speeches or performing. The person may choose to avoid the occasion or suffer great distress and anxiety. These feelings aren't in proportion to the risk or embarrassment. They also cause significant disruptions to daily life and can affect relationships. People with this condition are less likely to have close friends, find jobs, or maintain their intimate relationships. They are also at higher risk of developing depression and abuse. This disorder can cause sweating, blushing, or shaking. The patient may not be able to speak clearly or make eye contact. The person might feel tense when speaking on the phone or writing, and could have difficulty maintaining a job because of the inability to perform well during interviews or meetings. In extreme cases, this disorder can cause other anxiety disorders, major depression disorder, and suicidal thoughts. In these instances the treatment will be more intensive and should be directed by a mental health professional with expertise in treating these disorders. Some types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to in treating social anxiety. CBT seeks to change negative thoughts or beliefs which contribute to the disorder. It also teaches people to face situations that cause anxiety slowly, with the assistance of an experienced therapist in a secure setting. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure may be used to treat people who suffer from extreme social anxiety. Psychological treatments are often paired with medication to treat symptoms of this disorder. These medications can alleviate the embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with this disorder. This disorder is usually treated by sever serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline or Venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants can also be helpful. Diagnosis Everyone is nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people, going out on an evening date, or performing an appearance. However, if the fear gets overwhelming and affects daily life, a diagnosis of a social anxiety disorder could be required. Also known as social phobia, the disorder is not rooted in the individual's personality or environment and differs from shyness. It is a long-lasting, real illness that requires treatment. A medical professional will typically determine if a condition is present by talking to the patient and performing an examination. The therapist will then suggest psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to help control symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy that can help manage anxiety. This approach assists the patient to recognize and alter negative beliefs and attitudes about social situations that cause anxiety. It can help a person learn how to handle stressful situations, such as practicing relaxation techniques and calm breathing. It can also include exposure therapy, which involves gradually working up to the social situations a person is scared of, with the guidance of a therapist in a safe environment. Many people suffering from social anxiety disorder can find relief from prescription medication, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are the primary kind of medication used to treat this condition but other drugs may perform equally well. It may take a few tries to find the right medication. Research has demonstrated that a combination therapy is the most efficient. This can include CBT and exposure therapy, or other forms of psychological treatment, like interpersonal therapy. It is essential that a person receive treatment for anxiety, as the condition can cause depression and addictions, like drugs or alcohol. It can also cause problems at school or at work and lead to isolation. Some people with social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, like art therapy. This teaches people to express their emotions through drawing, painting, or other creative activities. It has been proven to decrease the severity of symptoms of anxiety in some instances. Treatment Many people are nervous when they meet new people or present 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. Often, the first step is getting an accurate diagnosis from a health care professional such as a doctor or counselor. He or she will check to see if any physical issues are causing your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to an expert in mental health care like psychiatrist or psychologist. The most popular psychotherapy used to treat social anxiety disorders is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT you will be guided by a skilled psychotherapist to rethink negative thought patterns and find better ways to deal with stressful situations. Additionally, you'll be able to practice relaxation techniques and learn to confront your fears in small steps. CBT is usually spread over many sessions. You might be required to complete homework in between sessions. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and are effective for some 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). It can take up to several weeks for you to feel the effects of these medications. They may also cause unwanted side effects like insomnia or headache. Medicines that block the stimulant effect of adrenaline, such as beta-blockers are also available and may aid in reducing certain physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as shaking and sweating the limbs and voice. But since these medications can be habit-forming and sedating doctors don't usually prescribe them for general treatment of social anxiety. Children who suffer from social anxiety may be able to overcome the disorder as they get older, but if it is not addressed, it could lead to mental health and depression issues. If your child has severe social anxiety talk to your GP regarding treatment options. The following is a list of preventions. While it's normal to feel anxious or nervous in certain social situations, like meeting new people, or giving a presentation, this feeling may become a problem when it interferes with everyday activities and causes anxiety. It's more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and school or work performance. It is important to seek treatment if struggling with this condition. Fortunately, there are many options to help from medication to therapy to support groups. Social anxiety sufferers are aware that their fears might be unfounded or exaggerated, however they still struggle to overcome their fears. They may avoid social interactions and do not have the opportunity to gain education, employment, and friendships, and they are at greater risk of depression or substance abuse. Talk therapy and stress management techniques like mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are often employed to combat social anxiety. A therapist can help you challenge the negative, unhelpful thoughts that trigger your social anxiety. They will then replace these thoughts with more positive ones. They can also use social skills training, role-playing and other cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to assist you in overcoming the situations that trigger anxiety in a safe environment. Some of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be addressed with medication, such as excessive sweating and heart palpitations. Before taking any medication, individuals who suffer from social anxiety should discuss the possible adverse effects with their physician. Some mental health professionals recommend avoiding substances that can make your symptoms worse like alcohol, caffeine, and drugs. They may recommend that you sleep enough and eat a balanced diet. It is possible to take a stroll outside which will help you relax and concentrate on the beauty of nature. There are many ways to manage social anxiety. If you're looking for therapy or medication, it's important to start treatment early to ensure that your symptoms don't spiral out of control and keep you from living the life you deserve. If you're in need of help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, reputable therapist who can help you deal with your emotions and be successful in your everyday life.