Definition -

Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. Usually, a person with social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated, or judged by others, such as speaking in public, meeting new people, dating, being on a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to a cashier in a store. People with social anxiety disorder experience such intense fear in social situations that it feels uncontrollable to them. This fear can hinder their ability to perform tasks like going to work or school, or even carrying out everyday activities. While some individuals may still manage these tasks, they often do so while experiencing significant levels of fear or anxiety. People with social anxiety disorder may spend weeks worrying about upcoming social situations and may resort to avoiding places or events that trigger distress or feelings of embarrassment.

 

Causes -

The causes of social anxiety disorder remain unclear, although there may be a genetic predisposition as it can run in families; researchers suggest that various parts of the brain related to fear and anxiety, influenced by genetics, play a role; understanding the brain-body interactions in individuals with social anxiety disorder could lead to more tailored treatments; furthermore, researchers are examining the impact of stress and environmental factors on the disorder.

 

Symptoms -

Individuals with social anxiety disorder may experience symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, feeling their "mind going blank" or feeling sick to their stomach, adopting a rigid body posture or speaking with an overly soft voice, difficulty making eye contact, being around unfamiliar people, or talking in social situations, feelings of self-consciousness or fear of negative judgment, and avoiding places with other people.

 

Treatments -

If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of social anxiety disorder, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. They will likely discuss your medical history and may conduct a physical examination to rule out any unrelated physical issues contributing to your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may then recommend seeing a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker, to obtain a diagnosis, which is the first step toward effective treatment.

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Treatment for social anxiety disorder typically involves psychotherapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or a combination of both. It's essential to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment approach for your specific situation. Other help can be provided from support groups, whether in-person or online, since they are often beneficial for individuals dealing with social anxiety. These groups could provide an opportunity to receive candid feedback from others who also have social anxiety disorder, helping individuals recognize and challenge distorted thoughts about judgment and rejection. Additionally, patients can learn coping strategies and approaches to overcoming social fears from fellow group members.