7 Helpful Tricks To Making The Most Of Your Disorder Social Anxiety

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

While we all get nervous or uncomfortable in certain social situations, those who suffer from social anxiety disorders have an intense fear and anxiety that affects their daily life. It can affect their careers and relationships. It can also lead to depression and substance abuse.

Treatment can include cognitive behavior therapy, medication, role-playing and social skills training. Medications may include antidepressants like selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta blockers.

Signs and symptoms

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a high level of anxiety and fear when people think that people will criticize them for their conduct. This includes when they meet people who are unfamiliar drinking or eating in public, and giving an address or performance. The person could be able to either avoid the fearful event or experience great distress and anxiety. These feelings are in proportion to the actual danger or embarrassment. They also cause significant disturbances in everyday life and affect relationships. People suffering from this condition are less likely to have close friends, get jobs, or maintain their intimate relationships. They are also more susceptible to depression and substance abuse.

This condition may cause sweating, blushing or shaking. The person may not be able speak clearly or make eye contact. The person might feel tense when speaking on the phone or when writing, and could have difficulty maintaining the job due to the inability to perform well in interviews or meetings.

In severe cases, the symptoms of this disorder could cause the sufferer to develop additional anxiety disorders or major depression disorder, and to have suicidal thoughts. In these cases the treatment is typically more intensive and should be supervised by an experienced mental health professional who has expertise in managing these disorders.

Some psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid in treating social anxiety disorder. CBT is designed to alter negative thoughts or beliefs that contribute to the disorder. It also helps the patient to deal with situations that cause anxiety gradually, with the assistance of a therapist and in a safe environment. Another type of psychotherapy, called exposure and response prevention or cognitive delivered exposure, can be used to assist people suffering from extreme social anxiety disorder.

It is common to use medication alongside psychological treatments to alleviate symptoms of this disorder. These medications can help reduce or eliminate the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like paroxetine (Paxil) sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are usually prescribed for this condition. Beta blockers and other antidepressants could also be helpful.

Diagnosis

Most people feel nervous in social situations, like meeting new people, going on an evening date, or performing an appearance. If the anxiety is so overwhelming that it affects your daily routine it is possible to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Also called social phobia, the disorder is not rooted in the individual's personality or environment and differs from shyness. It is a long-lasting real illness that requires treatment.

A health care provider is able to diagnose the condition through a conversation with patients and conducting a physical exam. The therapist can then recommend psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) or medication to manage symptoms.

Certain kinds of talk therapy can aid in managing anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method helps people to recognize and alter negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations that trigger the anxiety. It can teach people how to handle stressful situations, such as practicing breathing techniques to relax or calm. It may also include exposure therapy, which involves gradually preparing for social situations that a person fears with the guidance of the therapist in a safe environment.

Many people suffering from social anxiety disorder can find relief from prescription medication, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine, (Paxil) and sertraline, (Zoloft) are used to treat social anxiety disorders. However, other drugs could be equally efficient. Sometimes, it takes a number of attempts to determine the most appropriate treatment for a particular person.

Research has shown that a combination of therapies is the most efficient. This may include CBT and exposure therapy, or other types of psychological treatment like interpersonal therapy. It is important that people seek treatment for anxiety, as the condition can cause depression and addictions like drugs or alcohol. It can also cause problems at work or at school and cause isolation.

People who suffer from social anxiety might benefit from expressive therapies, like art therapy. This helps people express their feelings through drawing, painting or other creative pursuits. It has been proven to decrease the intensity of anxiety symptoms in some cases.

generalized anxiety disorder  feel anxious when they meet new people or deliver an presentation. But when the fear and anxiety persist and it develops into a mental health issue known as social anxiety disorder or phobia. It's more than shyness, and requires treatment to overcome. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication or both.

A professional health care provider such as a doctor or counselor is often able to provide a diagnosis. They will examine to determine if any physical issues are causing your symptoms. They will then recommend you to a mental health professional for help, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of psychotherapy for treating social anxiety disorder. In CBT, you will be guided by a skilled psychotherapist to rethink negative thought patterns and find better ways to deal with stressful situations. You can also learn relaxation techniques and ways to confront your fears by taking small steps at a time. CBT typically takes place in multiple sessions, and you may be required to complete your homework between sessions.

Social anxiety disorder can be treated with antidepressants. 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 medications typically last for several weeks before you begin to notice any effects, and can trigger adverse effects like headache or insomnia.

Beta-blockers can help alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. These include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, and shaking of the limbs and voice. But since these medications 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 outgrow the condition as they get older, but if it is not treated, it can cause to serious depression and mental health issues. If your child suffers from severe social anxiety, speak with your GP regarding treatments options.

Prevention

It's normal to feel anxious or anxious in a social situation, such as meeting new people or making presentations. However, this anxiety could turn into a disorder when it affects your daily routine and causes stress. It is more than shyness and it can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and school or work performance. It is essential to seek treatment if you are struggling with this issue. There are a variety of options to help from medication to therapy to support groups.

Social anxiety sufferers are aware their fears might be unfounded or exaggerated, yet they struggle to overcome their fears. They may avoid social interaction and are unable to participate in friendships, education, and employment. They also are more likely to be depressed 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 show you how to confront negative, harmful thoughts that contribute to your social anxiety and replace them with more balanced views. They can also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training and role-playing in order to help you deal with situations that make you feel anxious in a secure setting.

Certain of the symptoms that are associated with social anxiety can be cured by medication, such as heart palpitations and excessive sweating. Patients suffering from this condition should always discuss potential adverse reactions with their physicians prior to taking any medication.

Some mental health professionals suggest avoiding substances that can cause your symptoms to worsen like caffeine, alcohol and other drugs. They may suggest that you get enough sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet. You may be advised to go for a walk which will help you relax and concentrate on the beauty of nature.

There are many ways to treat social anxiety. It is essential to seek treatment early, whether you're seeking therapy or taking medication. This will stop your symptoms from getting out of control. If you're in need of assistance, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited counselor who can help you deal with your emotions and thrive in everyday life.