Social anxiety disorder, sometimes referred to as social phobia, is a mental health condition in which an individual’s fear of being evaluated or judged by peers or strangers is exceptionally high. This fear can manifest as panic, shame, or embarrassment in certain situations or environments, regardless of their age or personal background.
Social anxiety disorder is different than simply feeling anxious around certain people or situations. It is a long-term disorder that can cause a tremendous amount of distress and can significantly disrupt social functioning.
Definition
At the root of social anxiety disorder is an intense fear or anxiety of being judged, mocked, humiliated, rejected, or embarrassed in social or performance settings. This fear can be tied to specific environments, such as public speaking or networking, or to more general social occasions, such as parties, school, dating, or work. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by irrational, extreme, and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations, which the individual perceives as threatening.
Signs and Symptoms
Individuals with social anxiety disorder are generally aware that their fear is disproportionate to the environment, but feel powerless to control it. Common signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include:
• Excessive self-consciousness in social or performance situations
• Fear of being judged by others
• Intense fear of embarrassment or humiliation
• Panic attacks in social or performance situations
• Avoiding social or performance situations
• Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact
• Engaging in safety behavior such as avoiding the gaze of others
• Ruminating or obsessing over perceived slights or mistakes
• Limited or nonexistent social activities or hobbies
Causes
It is difficult to pinpoint one cause of social anxiety disorder, as it may arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and biological factors. For example, temperamental factors such as shyness may contribute to its development as well as environmental factors such as bullying. Some researchers suggest that an individual’s temperament and genetics combine with adverse experiences to create an increased vulnerability to the disorder. Additionally, people with social anxiety disorder may experience distorted thinking patterns, such as catastrophizing, that contribute to their anxiety.
Treatment
While social anxiety disorder is a chronic condition, it is highly treatable, especially when interventions are sought at the first sign of symptoms. Common forms of treatment include therapy, medications, and self-help strategies. Therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral or group therapy, is often used to help individuals with social anxiety disorder learn how to cope with their fear and anxiety. Additionally, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or anti-anxiety medications may be utilized to help manage social anxiety disorder. Lastly, self-help strategies such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and positive outlooks may be used to combat symptoms and reduce overall distress.
Conclusion
Social anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition which is often characterized by an intense fear or anxiety of being judged or ridiculed in social or performance settings. It is important to remember that this disorder is highly treatable, and various forms of treatment, from therapy to medications, as well as self-help strategies, may all be used to manage symptoms.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of social anxiety disorder, it is important to seek help in order to find relief.
What type of treatment is available for social anxiety disorder?
Treatment for social anxiety disorder typically includes a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of the two. Additional holistic therapies such as meditation, yoga, and mindful breathing may also be included in medically supervised treatment plans.
Furthermore, self-help strategies recommended by mental health professionals may also be used, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding triggers or situations that may worsen symptoms.
What types of therapy are used to treat social anxiety disorder?
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy is designed to challenge and change patterns of distorted thinking that can contribute to social anxiety disorder. The aim is to help individuals identify and change thinking patterns that contribute to anxious or negative self-evaluations, and that create unhealthy avoidance, as well as worries about being judged or criticized in social situations.
2. Interpersonal Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on communication and relationships, which are believed to be problems or causes of social anxiety. It can help individuals develop skills to better manage interpersonal relationships and interactions better and gain more confidence in their ability to do so.
3. Group Therapy: This type of therapy involves working with a group of people who are facing similar challenges. Through group interaction, individuals can practice talking and sharing with others in a safe and supportive environment. It also provides support from others dealing with the same issues.
4. Exposure Therapy: This type of therapy is designed to help individuals face their fears and become more comfortable in social situations. During sessions, individuals are gradually exposed to feared situations. As they become more comfortable, it can help individuals gain more confidence and develop their social skills.
5. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This type of therapy is focused on helping individuals accept their anxiety and develop helpful strategies to cope. It encourages individuals to acknowledge their anxiety and the negative thoughts associated with it, and then move towards activities that align with their values.
What are common symptoms of social anxiety disorder?
Common symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include intense fear and self-consciousness in social situations, physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty speaking, overwhelming worry about being judged, criticism, or humiliation, avoidance of social situations or interaction with unfamiliar people, and low self-esteem.
What are the long-term effects of social anxiety disorder?
Long-term effects of social anxiety disorder can include:
1. Difficulty maintaining relationships: People with social anxiety disorder often struggle to make and maintain meaningful relationships. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
2. Poor academic or work performance: Social anxiety disorder can make it difficult to concentrate or speak up in class or in meetings and presentations at work. This can lead to lower grades or poor performance reviews.
3. Financial hardship: Social anxiety can make it difficult to work, contribute to the household, and earn an income.
4. Increased risk for mental health issues: Socially anxious people are more likely to develop mental health issues like depression and substance abuse.
5. Higher risk of physical health problems: Stress related to social anxiety can cause physical health problems such as headaches, stomach aches, and more.
What are the treatments available for social anxiety disorder?
1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of psychotherapy helps people identify and change negative thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is the most widely used effective treatment for social anxiety disorder.
2. Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications to help reduce anxiety symptoms. Popular medications used to treat social anxiety disorder are certain types of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines.
3. Exposure therapy: This type of therapy involves gradually exposing a person to the situations they fear. Over time, the person learns to cope with the anxiety associated with these situations.
4. Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce anxiety if practiced regularly.
5. Group therapy: Participating in group therapy for social anxiety disorder can help people learn to recognize and manage their anxiety symptoms, as well as gain support from others who are going through similar experiences.
6. Alternative therapies: Various complementary and alternative therapies, such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness-based approaches, and acupuncture, can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
