anxiety-disorders

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?While we all get nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those who suffer from social anxiety disorders have extreme anxiety and fear that can affect their daily life. It can affect their careers and relationships. And it can result in depression and substance abuse.Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and role-playing or social skills training. Medications may include antidepressants like selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.SymptomsSocial anxiety disorder is defined by a high level of anxiety and fear when people believe that people will criticize them for their conduct. This includes situations such as meeting new people, eating and drinking in public, or giving a speech. The person could choose to avoid the occasion or suffer extreme anxiety and stress. These feelings aren’t in proportion to the risk or embarrassment. They also cause significant disturbances in everyday life and interfere with relationships. People suffering from this condition are less likely to have close friends, find jobs, or maintain close relationships. They also have a higher risk of developing depression and abuse.Symptoms of this disorder can include shaking, blushing or sweating. The person may not be able to make eye contact or communicate clearly. They may tremble when talking on the telephone or writing, and could have trouble keeping 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 guided an expert in mental health who is skilled in treating these disorders.Some psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may aid in treating social anxiety disorder. CBT aims at changing negative thoughts or beliefs which cause the disorder. It also teaches people to confront situations that trigger anxiety slowly, with the assistance of the therapist in a safe environment. A form of psychotherapy known as exposure and response or cognitive delivered exposure can be used to treat people with extreme social anxieties.It is common to use medication alongside psychological treatments to ease symptoms of this disorder. These medications can alleviate the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms associated with this disorder. This disorder is usually treated by sever serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline or Venlafaxine. Beta blockers and other antidepressants may also be beneficial.DiagnosisMost people experience some degree of anxiety in certain social situations. For example, when meeting new people or going out on dates or performing. If the fear becomes overwhelming, and it impacts your daily life it is possible to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Also known as social phobia the condition is not rooted in the individual’s personality or environment, and is distinct from shyness. anxiety disorder symptoms is a persistent real illness that requires treatment.A medical professional can usually diagnose the condition through a conversation with the patient and performing a physical exam. The therapist will then suggest psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to control symptoms.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one kind of therapy that helps manage anxiety. This method helps people identify and change negative beliefs and thoughts about social situations that trigger anxiety. It can help a person learn how to handle stressful situations, for example, by practicing relaxation techniques and calm breathing. It could also include an exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the person to the social situations they fear under the guidance of a therapist.Prescription medications like antidepressants and antianxiety medicines can offer relief to many people with social anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a good example, like paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are the primary type of medication used to treat this disorder but other drugs may perform similarly. It can take several attempts to determine the best medication.Research suggests that a mix of treatments is the most effective. This could include CBT, exposure therapy or another type of psychological treatment such as interpersonal therapy. It is important that someone receive treatment for anxiety because the condition can cause depression and addictions, like drugs or alcohol. It can also cause problems at work or at school and can lead to isolation.Art therapy, for example can be beneficial for certain people suffering from social anxiety. This therapy teaches people how to express themselves through painting, drawing or other creative activities. It has been proven that in certain cases, it can lessen the severity symptoms of anxiety.TreatmentMany people are nervous when they meet new people or present an presentation. But when the fear and anxiety persist, it becomes a mental health condition known as social anxiety disorder or social anxiety. It’s more than shyness, and requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, or both.A health professional such as counselor or doctor is often able to provide an assessment. He or she may check to see if there are any physical ailments causing the symptoms, and recommend you to an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist.The most commonly used psychotherapy to treat anxiety disorders affecting social phobia is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, a trained counselor or therapist assists you to overcome negative patterns of thinking and develop better strategies to handle stressful situations. In addition, you may develop relaxation techniques and be taught to confront your fears in small steps. CBT is typically spread across several sessions. You might be asked to complete homework between sessions.Antidepressants are often used to treat anxiety disorders and can be beneficial for certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder. 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 drugs typically take a few weeks before you notice effects, and they can trigger adverse effects like insomnia or headaches.Beta-blockers can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety. These include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure sweating, shaking of the voice and limbs. But because these drugs are sedating and habit-forming and sedating, doctors do not typically prescribe them for the general treatment of social anxiety.Children suffering from social anxiety might be able to overcome the disorder as they get older However, if the disorder is not addressed, it could lead to serious depression and mental health issues. If your child suffers from severe social anxiety consult your GP about treatment options.The following is a list of preventions.It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious when you are in a social context like meeting new people or making an appearance. However, this feeling can become a problem when it causes disruption to your daily routine and causes you distress. It’s more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships and school or work performance. It is important to seek treatment if you’re struggling with this issue. There are many ways to get help, that include therapy, medication, as well as support groups.Social anxiety sufferers are aware their fears might be unfounded or exaggerated, yet they struggle to overcome them. They might avoid social interactions and do not have the opportunity to gain education, employment, or friendships. They are also more susceptible to depression or abuse of substances.Treatment for social anxiety usually involves talk therapy and strategies for managing stress such as breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation. A therapist can help combat the negative and unhelpful thinking that fuels your social anxiety. They then help you replace these thoughts with more balanced ones. They can also employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as social skills training, and role-playing to help you deal with situations that cause anxiety in a secure setting.Medications can also be used to alleviate some of the symptoms of social anxiety such as heart palpitations and sweating. People suffering from this condition should always discuss potential side effects with their doctors before starting the treatment.Some mental health professionals suggest avoidance of substances such as alcohol, caffeine, or drugs that can increase the severity of your symptoms. They may suggest that you sleep enough and eat a healthy diet. You might be advised to take a walk outside which will help you relax and concentrate on the beauty of nature.Getting help for social anxiety is a common thing and there are numerous treatment options available. Whether you’re seeking therapy or medication, it’s crucial to begin treatment early to ensure that your symptoms don’t spiral out of control and prevent you from living the life you deserve. If you’re in need of help, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited therapist who can help you cope with your feelings and flourish in your daily life.