Social anxiety is an experience of fear, apprehension or worry regarding
social situations and being evaluated by others. People vary in how often
they experience anxiety in this way or in which kinds of situations. Anxiety
about public speaking, performance, or interviews is common. Social anxiety
can be related to shyness. The experience is commonly described as having
physiological components (e.g. sweating, blushing), cognitive/perceptual
components (e.g. belief that one may be judged negatively; looking for
signs of disapproval) and behavioral components (e.g. avoiding a situation)
Cognitive distortions
are a hallmark, and learned about in CBT. Thoughts are often self-defeating
and inaccurate. Some sufferers may use alcohol or other drugs to reduce
fears and inhibitions at social events. Social anxiety disorder may co-occur
with other anxiety disorders as well as depression. Additionally, people
with social anxiety may develop problems with substance abuse or dependence
when they use drinking or drugs to "self-medicate" their symptoms. Selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants, are
considered by many to be the first choice medication for generalised social
phobia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful in the treatment
of social anxiety disorder. MAOIs and benzodiazepines may require more
monitoring than other medications. Beta blockers are sometimes used with
performance anxiety, a specific kind of social anxiety.
Causes of Social
Anxiety Disorder
Common Causes
and Risk factors of Social Anxiety Disorder
Genes.
Biochemistry.
Fear responses.
Cultural factors.
Environmental
factors.
Neurochemical
and neurocognitive influences.
New social or
work demands.
What Are the
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder?
Many people
with social anxiety disorder feel that there is "something wrong," but
don't recognize their feeling as a sign of illness. Symptoms include:
* Intense anxiety in social
situations.
* Avoidance of social situations.
* Physical symptoms of anxiety,
including confusion, pounding heart, sweating, shaking, blushing, muscle
tension, upset stomach and diarrhea.
Children with
this disorder may express their anxiety by crying, clinging to a parent
or throwing a tantrum.
Alternative
Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder
Common Treatment
of Social Anxiety Disorder
Selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants, are considered
by many to be the first choice medication for generalised social phobia.
Cognitive-behavioral
therapy (CBT) may be helpful in the treatment of social anxiety disorder.
It teaches people with social anxiety disorder to react differently to
the situations that trigger their anxiety symptoms.
Practicing these
techniques regularly can help you manage or reduce your anxiety. You may
need to begin with small steps in situations that aren't overwhelming.
These techniques include:
* Eating with a close relative,
friend or acquaintance in a public setting.
* Making eye contact and
returning greetings from others, or being the first to say hello.
* Preparing for conversation.
For instance, read the newspaper to identify an interesting story you can
talk about.
* Giving someone a compliment.
* Focusing on personal qualities
you like about yourself.
Social Skills
Training: After avoiding certain social situations for an extended time,
it is not surprising that some people with social anxiety disorder might
develop some bad habits in social situations, including making poor eye
contact, and engaging in other anxious behaviors. They may also find it
difficult to think of what to say during a conversation or date. Or, they
may lack certain basic public speaking skills. If this is the case, CBT
may include social skills training as a component. Examples include teaching
an individual how to make the best impression during a job interview, how
to be more assertive, and how to use nonverbal communication (e.g., body
language, eye contact) more effectively.
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