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.
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