Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder involves fear or anxiety of social situations. We go over treatments and ways to get over social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is a serious mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by an intense fear or anxiety about social situations, which can lead to avoidance and distress. In this article, we will explore the common symptoms of social anxiety disorder, how it can be inherited, and the available treatment options.
People with social anxiety disorder experience marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations. They may fear showing anxiety symptoms that could be negatively evaluated, such as humiliation, rejection, or embarrassment. They tend to avoid social situations, endure intense fear, and feel afraid of meeting new people. They may also experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, shaking, or trembling in front of others.
For some people, anxiety is most pronounced during a performance, such as public speaking. This can lead to blushing, sweating, trembling, and a rapid heartbeat. They may feel like their mind is going blank, have a rigid body posture, speak in a very soft voice, and have difficulty making eye contact, leading to increased self-consciousness.
How to treat Social Anxiety Disorder?
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a research-supported type of effective therapy for social anxiety disorder. This allows the patient to become their own therapist over time.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) uses strategies such as mindfulness and goal setting to reduce anxiety and discomfort.
Medications such as beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants can be effective when prescribed appropriately.
Common feelings and symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder are:
- Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations
- Fear over showing anxiety symptoms that will be negatively evaluated (i.e., humiliation, rejection, or embarrassed)
- Avoidance of social situations
- Social situations are endured with intense fear
- Fear or anxiety meeting new people
- Eating or drinking in front of people
- Being afraid of people in authority
- Increased heart rate in front of people
- Shaking or trembling in front of others
For some people, the anxiety is most pronounced during a performance (like public speaking). Patients may experience:
- Blushing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Rapid heart beat
- Feeling like their mind is going blank
- Rigid body posture
- Speak in a very soft voice
- Difficulty making eye contact
- Feeling self-consciousness
