what is anxiety panic disorder is Social Anxiety Disorder?

While we all get anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those with social anxiety disorders experience intense fear and anxiety that interferes with their daily lives. It can impact their careers and relationships. And it can cause depression and even substance abuse.

Treatment could include cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication, role-playing, and social skills training. Treatment options include antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a high level of anxiety and fear when people believe that people will judge them negatively based on their behavior. This can include situations like meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or giving a speech. The person can either avoid the feared occasion or suffer great distress and anxiety. The anxiety and stress are not in proportion to the danger or embarrassment. They can also cause significant interruptions to your daily routine and disrupt relationships. People suffering from this condition have a lower likelihood of having close friends, finding a job, or maintaining relationships. They are also more vulnerable to depression and substance abuse.

This condition can cause blushing, sweating or shaking. The patient may be unable to keep eye contact or speak clearly. The person might feel tense when on the phone or writing, and might have difficulty maintaining the job due to inadequate performance in meetings or interviews.

In severe cases, this disorder can cause other anxiety disorders, major depression disorder and suicidal ideation. In these cases, the treatment is usually more intensive and should be supervised by an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating these disorders.

Certain types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful to in treating social anxiety. CBT aims to alter negative beliefs or thoughts that cause the disorder. It also teaches a person to deal with situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the assistance of a therapist in a safe setting. A type of psychotherapy called exposure and response or cognitive delivered exposure can be used to treat people who suffer from extreme social anxiety.

Psychological treatments are often paired with medications to treat the symptoms of this Disorder social anxiety. These medications can reduce or eliminate the discomforting and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. This disorder is usually treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibits like sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants can also be helpful.

Diagnosis

Nearly everyone feels nervous in social situations, such as meeting new people, going out on an evening date, or performing a performance. However, when the anxiety gets overwhelming and affects daily life and activities, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder might be required. Also known as social phobia, the disorder is not based on the person's personality or environment, and is distinct from shyness. It is a persistent, real illness that requires treatment.

A medical professional is able to diagnose the condition by talking with patients and conducting an examination. The therapist may then recommend psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or medication to manage symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy that can help manage anxiety. This approach helps a person recognize and change negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that cause anxiety. It can help people learn to handle stressful situations, including breathing techniques for relaxation or calming. It may also include exposure therapy, which involves gradually building up to social situations that a person is scared of, with the guidance of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.

Prescription medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety medications can provide relief for many people with 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 condition however, other medications may work similarly. It can take several attempts to determine the best drugs for generalized anxiety disorder medication.

Research has demonstrated that a combination therapy is most efficient. This can include CBT exposure therapy, or another form of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is essential that people seek 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.

People who suffer from social anxiety may benefit from expressive therapies, such as art therapy. This therapy helps people learn to express themselves through drawing, painting or other creative activities. It has been proven that in some cases it can lessen anxiety symptoms to a lesser degree.

Treatment

Many people are nervous in certain social situations, such as meeting new people or giving an presentation. When the fear and anxiety persist, it can 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 medication, psychotherapy or both.

The first step is to get an assessment from a health professional such as a doctor or counselor. He or she may look into whether there are any physical ailments causing the symptoms, and then suggest you see an expert in mental health like a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common form of psychotherapy for treating social anxiety disorders. In CBT you will be guided by a skilled counselor to confront negative thoughts and discover new ways to cope with stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and ways to face your fears one step at a time. CBT is usually spread over several sessions. You might be asked to do homework in between sessions.

Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and are effective for people with social anxiety disorders. 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 generally take several weeks before you feel the effects, and they can trigger side effects such as headache or insomnia.

The use of medications that block the stimulating effect of adrenaline, such as beta-blockers are also available and can aid in reducing certain physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid blood pressure and heart rate as well as shaking and sweating the limbs and voice. These medications can be addictive and sedating. Therefore doctors rarely prescribe these medications to treat social anxiety.

Children who suffer from social anxiety may outgrow the disorder as they grow older, but if it is not treated, it can cause to serious depression and mental health issues. If your child suffers from severe social anxiety disorders, speak with your GP regarding treatments options.

Prevention

It's normal to feel anxious or anxious in a social situation like meeting new people or presenting presentations. However, this anxiety could turn into a disorder when it affects your everyday activities and causes stress. It is more than shyness, and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and work or school performance. If you have issues with this issue it is crucial to seek help. There are numerous ways to seek help, that include treatment, medication, and support groups.

Social anxiety sufferers are aware their fears might be unfounded or exaggerated, yet they struggle to overcome their fears. They may avoid social interaction and miss out on opportunities for education, employment, and friendships. They are also more likely to be depressed or substance abuse.

Talk therapy and stress management techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation are frequently used to help with social anxiety. A therapist can help you learn how to challenge negative, harmful thoughts that cause your social anxiety and replace them with more balanced perspectives. They can also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training and role-playing to help you deal with situations that make you anxious in a safe environment.

The use of medications can also help to reduce some symptoms of social anxiety like heart palpitations and sweating. Before taking any medication, those who suffer from social anxiety must discuss the possible adverse effects with their physician.

Some mental health professionals suggest abstaining from substances such as alcohol, caffeine or other drugs that could cause more symptoms. They may suggest that you get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. They might also advise you to try taking an outdoor walk that can have an uplifting effect and help you focus on the beauty around you.

Getting help for social anxiety is quite common and there are numerous 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 and prevent you from living the life you deserve. BetterHelp can connect you to a licensed and accredited counselor to help you manage your feelings.