Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes anxiety and fear in social settings.
People with this disorder have difficulty talking to people, meeting new people, and participating in social gatherings. They may feel anxious about others judging or scrutinizing them.
Although they may understand that their fear is irrational, they may feel powerless to overcome it.
Social anxiety is different from shyness. Shyness can make socializing, school, and work difficult, but it is less disruptive than social anxiety. Social anxiety can be persistent and overwhelming, affecting daily activities such as grocery shopping.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), approximately 15 million American adults suffer from social anxiety disorder. It often begins during the teenage years.
For people with social anxiety disorder, social interactions can cause problems such as:
Psychological symptoms include:
- Intense anxiety before, during, and after social situations
- If you must attend, avoid social situations or try to blend into the background.
- Self-consciousness and fear of doing something embarrassing
- Concern that others will notice that you are stressed or nervous
- Feeling the need to consume alcohol to cope with social situations
- miss school or work because of anxiety
Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but people with social anxiety have a constant fear of being judged or humiliated in front of others.
They may avoid all social situations such as:
- Question
- job interview
- shopping
- Use of public toilets
- talk on the phone
- eat in public
Some people have limited or selective anxiety. For example, you may only feel anxious when eating in front of others or talking to strangers. People with severe symptoms may avoid all social situations.
Is it shyness or social anxiety? And how can we overcome shyness?
The exact cause of social anxiety disorder is unknown, but
Scientists say physical, biological and genetic factors are likely involved. Problems with the neurotransmitter system can lead to imbalances in hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. These brain chemicals help regulate mood.
Some experts say environmental factors may contribute, but only as part of a complex interaction that also involves biological and genetic traits.
Factors that may contribute include history, such as:
- Mental, physical, or other types of abuse
- Negative interactions with peers
- overly controlling parenting style
- have an insecure attachment style
Negative experiences can lead to a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where social anxiety is a symptom.
Anxiety disorders can run in families, but it is unclear whether this is due to genetic or environmental factors.
What types of phobias are there other than social phobia?
Although there is no medical test to check for social anxiety disorder, your doctor will likely use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine whether you may have social anxiety disorder. I’ll have to check if that’s the case.
You’ll probably be asked questions like:
- your symptoms
- your family history
- Other health conditions
According to the DSM-5, the criteria for evaluating social anxiety disorder are:
- Fear of one or more social situations that may involve being watched by others
- Fear of being judged negatively by others or acting in ways that may upset or anger others
- Certain situations almost always cause fear or anxiety
- The person either avoids the situation or approaches the situation with great anxiety or fear.
- Fear is disproportionate to the threat
- Persistent fear or anxiety, usually lasting more than 6 months
- Fear and anxiety interfere with daily life
- Other symptoms or health conditions do not explain the fear or anxiety the person feels
You may also want to exclude other conditions, such as:
- Substance-related issues
- personality disorder
- Concerns about health problems, obesity, or physical features such as facial burns
There are several treatments for social anxiety disorder. The effectiveness of treatment varies from person to person. Some people only need one type of treatment, while others may need a combination of treatments.
Your doctor may prescribe treatment or refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional.
Options include:
counseling therapy
counseling
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help you learn new ways to manage your anxiety, such as how to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): In ACT, people learn how to use mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral strategies to become more present and live a values-based life despite negative emotions.
Group therapy or support group: This will help you learn social skills and techniques for interacting with people in social situations. Working in a group lets you know you’re not alone and allows you to role-play practical solutions.
Exposure therapy: In this type of therapy, medical professionals help you gradually face social situations rather than avoid them.
What is online group therapy?
medicine
Medications can improve your symptoms and help you go about your daily life.
Medications that can treat social anxiety disorder
SSRIs and SNRIs can be taken by
To avoid side effects, you can start with a low dose and gradually increase the prescribed amount. If you are not satisfied with one drug, your doctor may suggest another.
Your doctor can explain the benefits and risks and help you decide which treatment is right for you.
What are the side effects of antidepressants?
Home remedies and natural remedies can support treatment recommended by your doctor.
Here are some tips for dealing with stress and anxiety:
According to the ADAA, more than one-third of people with social anxiety don’t seek help until their symptoms have been present for at least 10 years. People may not see their discomfort as a mental health problem and may not be aware that help is available.
If untreated, social phobia develops
- Achievements at work or study
- social interaction
- relationships
- self-esteem
- Quality of life
to
Counseling therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication can help many people deal with social anxiety and other mental health issues.
Check out our Suicide Prevention Resource Guide.
What are the symptoms of social anxiety?
People with social anxiety avoid social situations or feel extremely anxious. The person may blush, sweat, tremble, avoid people, stand stiffly, avoid eye contact, and have difficulty speaking. You may not know why you feel anxious, but it’s usually due to fear of being criticized or hurting others.
What are the main causes of social anxiety?
Experts don’t know exactly why it happens, but an imbalance of brain chemicals may be involved. Life events such as a history of abuse or growing up in a household with a controlling parenting style may contribute. But experts say these are likely not the only factors.
How can I overcome social anxiety?
If you have had social anxiety disorder for a long time, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, as other complications may occur. Counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes are all options.Looks like social anxiety disorder
People with social anxiety disorder feel fear and anxiety in social situations. These feelings may be so strong that they avoid socializing and avoid school, work, shopping, and other places where interaction is likely to occur.
The person is afraid that someone will judge him, that he will offend someone, or that he will humiliate himself in some way, but the threat is unlikely to be real.
Medication, counseling, and lifestyle therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.