Treating Social Anxiety disorder

What Is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia or social anxiety, is an often debilitating mental health condition that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. If left untreated and unmanaged, it can cause a lifetime of distress. 

The condition is characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations and the fear of being judged or scrutinized by others. Generally, it involves a fear of a wide range of social situations, such as speaking in public, attending parties, eating in public, or even meeting new people. This type of anxiety disorder can be particularly debilitating, as the fear can make it difficult for people to engage in any form of daily life.

People with social anxiety may experience feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, and shame in social situations, making it difficult for them to engage in social interactions. The fear of social situations can be so severe that people with social anxiety may avoid social situations altogether. This avoidance can, in turn, have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, limiting their ability to form friendships, pursue career opportunities, and engage in everyday activities.

Young sad teenage girl feeling lonely and excluded at school. Female outside classroom and thinking about teen problems, bullying or trouble feeling depressed and anxiety.

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Causes of Social Anxiety

It’s important to note that social anxiety disorder is not caused by personal weakness, poor character, or lack of willpower. Some research suggests that social anxiety may be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, while other studies have found that traumatic experiences, such as bullying or abuse, can increase the risk of developing social anxiety. The causes of social anxiety disorder are complex and can include a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, including:

 

  •  Family history of anxiety disorders
  •  Overprotective or controlling parenting styles
  •  Low self-esteem or negative self-image
  •  Cultural or societal expectations

Symptoms of Social Anxiety

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can cause significant distress and can vary from person to person. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and can make it difficult for people with social anxiety disorder to form relationships, pursue career opportunities, and engage in everyday activities.

Some common symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:

  • Intense fear of social situations or performance situations
  • Fear of being judged or evaluated negatively by others
  • Avoidance of social situations or performance situations
  • Physical symptoms, such as sweating, trembling, or blushing
  • Difficulty speaking or making eye contact
  • Panic attacks

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How Our Luxury Mental Health Facility Treats Social Anxiety

There are several effective mental health services available for social anxiety disorder. At Neurish, these include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. Through CBT, people with social anxiety disorder can learn to recognize and change negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their anxiety.

Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve mood.

Exposure Therapy: Exposure Therapy involves gradually exposing a person to feared social situations in a controlled and supportive environment. Through exposure therapy, people with social anxiety can learn to face their fears and develop coping skills to manage their anxiety.

In addition to these treatments, self-help strategies can also be helpful for managing social anxiety disorder. Some self-help strategies that may be helpful include practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in regular exercise, and joining support groups.

Get Help for Social Anxiety at Neurish Wellness

Connection with others is crucial, and shouldn’t be hindered by social anxiety. If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety disorder, talk to one of our mental health professionals to learn more about treatment options. Social anxiety disorder can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Get in touch today.

FAQs About Social Anxiety Disorder

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social Anxiety Disorder, also called social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder where a person has an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can interfere with daily activities such as work, school, and social interactions.

How is Social Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?

A mental health professional diagnoses social anxiety disorder through a comprehensive evaluation that includes discussing symptoms, medical history, and sometimes questionnaires or psychological tests. It’s important to seek professional help if you think you might have this condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder symptoms can include excessive fear of social situations, worrying about embarrassing oneself, avoiding social interactions, physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or a racing heart, and difficulty speaking or making eye contact.

How Can Social Anxiety Disorder Be Treated?

To treat social anxiety disorder, mental health professionals often use a combination of therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to help individuals manage their anxiety and improve their quality of life.

Who Can Treat Social Anxiety Disorder?

Treating social anxiety disorder typically involves working with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist. These professionals can provide the necessary therapy and medications to help manage the condition.

What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?

The exact cause of developing social anxiety disorder is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It often starts in the early teens but can develop at any age.

Can Social Anxiety Disorder Be Cured?

While there is no definitive cure for social anxiety disorder, many people find significant relief from their symptoms with proper treatment. Early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan can lead to substantial improvements.

Is Social Anxiety Disorder Common?

Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many people with the condition do not seek help, often due to stigma or lack of awareness.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have Social Anxiety Disorder?

If you think you might have social anxiety disorder, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Where Can I Find More Information About Social Anxiety Disorder?

For more information about social anxiety disorder and available treatments, you can contact your local health and human services department. They can provide resources and referrals to mental health professionals in your area.

How Do Health and Human Services Help With Social Anxiety Disorder?

Health and human services departments offer resources, support, and referrals to mental health professionals who can diagnose and treat social anxiety disorder. They can also provide information on local support groups and community programs.

What is the Difference Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Shyness?

While shyness is a normal personality trait, social anxiety disorder is a more severe, persistent fear that significantly impacts daily life. If you experience intense anxiety in social situations that interfere with your routine, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional.

Can Children Have Social Anxiety Disorder?

Yes, social anxiety disorder can affect children. Symptoms may include extreme fear of social interactions, avoidance of school or group activities, and physical symptoms like stomachaches. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for helping children manage their anxiety and develop healthy coping skills.

Sources:

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).

National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness.

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Social anxiety disorder (social phobia).

Cole Dyar, Executive Director

Clinically Reviewed by Cole Dyar, MS, LAADC, PhD Candidate
Executive Director of Neurish Wellness

Cole holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in sociology and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as recognized by CCAPP. Cole holds a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, including Organizational Leadership and Design, and a Post-Masters in General Marriage and Family Therapy.

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