Social Anxiety Disorder - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Social anxiety is an experience of fear , apprehension or worry regarding social situations and being evaluated by others. Anxiety (intense nervousness) and self-consciousness arise from a fear of being closely watched, judged and criticized by others. It is the most prevalent of any anxiety disorders and is the third most common psychiatric disorder after depression and alcohol abuse. Social anxiety disorder is a type of phobia also known as social phobia. Social anxiety disorder typically begins during childhood with a mean age at onset between 14 and 16 years and is sometimes preceded by a history of social inhibition or shyness. This anxiety disorder is not uncommon by any stretch of the imagine, because it affects more than five million Americans any given year. People with social anxiety disorder suffer from distorted thinking, including false beliefs about social situations and the negative opinions of others. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with the person's normal daily routine, including school, work, social activities and relationships. Social Anxiety Disorder is equally common in men and women and is found across all cultures. Negative experience. Children who experience teasing, bullying, rejection, ridicule or humiliation may go on to develop social anxiety disorder. In addition, other negative events in life, such as family conflict or sexual abuse, may be associated with social anxiety disorder. Children who are shy, timid, withdrawn or restrained when facing new situations or people may be at greater risk of social anxiety disorder.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. Physiological effects, similar to those in other anxiety disorders, are present in social phobics. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating that it interferes with work, school and other routine activities. Social anxiety disorder may be linked to other mental illnesses, such as panic disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can fluctuate over time. Physical symptoms include "mind going blank", fast heartbeat, blushing, stomach ache. 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.

Signs and Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

Common Sign and Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

• Blushing
• Trembling
• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Confusion
• Palpitations
• Diarrhea

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.
• MAOIs and benzodiazepines may require more monitoring than other medications.
• Beta blockers are sometimes used with performance anxiety, a specific kind of social anxiety.
• Benzodiazepines are a short-acting and more potent alternative to SSRIs. The drug is often used for short-term relief of severe, disabling anxiety.