Social Anxiety Disorder

 Social anxiety is the fear of situations where a person must interact with other people. The person has a fear of being judged and and the opinions of other people.

People with social anxiety are seen by others as being shy, quiet, aloof, inhibited, unfriendly, nervous, and disinterested.  

People who have social anxiety are prevented from being able to do the things they want to do; because of the anxiety that inhibits them from participating in social settings. 

Social anxiety is a treatable condition and can be overcome.

 People with social anxiety usually experience considerable distress when faced with certain triggers for example: being introduced to other people ; being  criticized; being the center of attention ;  being observed while doing something; meeting people in authority. They feel insecure and out of place in social situations; they are embarrassed easily; and fail to meet other people in the eyes.

The feelings that accompany social anxiety include anxiety, intense fear, nervousness, unconscious negative thinking, racing heart, excessive sweating, dry mouth, trembling, and muscle twitches. A constant, intense anxiety is the most common occurrence.

High rates of alcoholism and other substance abuse, family difficulties and problems, lack of personal relationships, and difficulty in obtaining and continuing with employment are among the everyday problems experienced by many people with social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety is many times mixed up with panic disorder. People with social anxiety  do not experience panic attacks, in which the prominent fear is of having a medical problem . A person suffering from social anxiety does have insight. People with social anxiety realize that it is anxiety and fear that they are experiencing.

Social anxiety is a treatable condition and can be overcome.

 Cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety has been extremely effective. With therapy there    is success in changing the thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behavior.  The use of cognitive therapy with a behavioral therapy group also shows accomplishment in alleviating the distress of the disorder.  A combination of both therapies relieves the anxiety symptoms associated with social anxiety disorder.

Medication for social anxiety is useful for many people with social anxiety disorder.  The use of anti anxiety drugs and some antidepressants in conjunction with therapy has proven to be beneficial.   

The prognosis for this disorder is extremely good. Therapy is not difficult and person continuing commitment to getting better can ensure recovery. Social anxiety treatment that includes behavioral therapy group enables members to work on their fears in the group and later in real-life situations.