Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

General description

It is normal to feel nervous in some social situations. For example, having an appointment or giving a presentation can cause that feeling of having butterflies in your stomach. But in social anxiety disorder, also called "social phobia," everyday interactions cause a lot of anxiety, fear, insecurity and shame for fear of scrutiny or the opinion of others.

In social anxiety disorder, fear and anxiety cause an escape that can alter life. Intense stress can affect daily routine, work, study or other activities.

Mental health specialists from the mental health and eating disorders center, The Meadowglade, explain that social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition, but learning to cope with challenges or situations in psychotherapy sessions and taking medications can help you gain confidence, as well as improve your ability to interact with others.

Symptoms

As it has been explained by The Meadowglade mental health specialists, shyness or discomforts in certain situations are not necessarily signs of social anxiety disorder, especially in children. The level of comfort in social situations varies and depends on personality traits and life experiences. Some people are introvert by nature, and others are more extrovert.

Unlike daily nervousness, social anxiety disorder includes fear, anxiety and evasion, which interfere with daily routine, work, school or other activities. “Social anxiety disorder usually begins in the early or mid-teens, although sometimes it can begin during childhood or adulthood,” says a psychologist from The Meadowglade.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms

The Meadowglade mental health specialists point out that the signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder include the persistence of the following:

• Fear of situations where you could be judged

• Anguish about feeling ashamed or humiliated

• Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers

• Fear of others noticing that you are anxious

• Fear of having physical symptoms that may cause you discomfort, such as blushing, sweating, shaking or your voice shaking

• Stop doing some activities or stop talking to certain people for fear of feeling ashamed

• Avoid situations where you can be the center of attention

• Be anxious in the moments before facing a situation or activity that scares you

• Support a social situation with intense anxiety or fear

• After a social situation, analyze your performance and identify failures in your interactions

• Expect the worst possible consequences of a negative experience in a social situation

In the case of children, The Meadowglade mental health specialists indicate in their publications that they may express anxiety by interacting with adults or peers through cries, tantrums, clinging to parents or refusing to speak in social situations.

People who suffer from the type of social anxiety disorder of execution suffer from intense fear and anxiety only when speaking or acting in public, but not in other types of social situations.

Physical symptoms

Sometimes, The Meadowglade mental health specialists indicate that there are physical signs and symptoms that can accompany social anxiety disorder and can be:

• Blush

• Fast heartbeat

• Tremors

• Sweating

• Stomach upset or nausea

•Difficulty breathing

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Feel that the mind goes blank

•Muscle tension

Avoid frequent social situations

Frequent and everyday situations that may be difficult to endure when you suffer from a social anxiety disorder are, for example:

• Interact with little-known people or strangers

• Attend parties or social gatherings

• Go to work or school

• Start conversations

• Make eye contact

• Have appointments

• Enter a room where others are already sitting

• Return items to a store

• Eat in front of others

• Use a public restroom

According to The Meadowglade mental health specialists, symptoms of social anxiety disorder may change over time. They can be exacerbated by demands or stress situations. Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety can make you feel better in the short term, from The Meadowglade point out that your anxiety is likely to continue in the long term if you do not receive treatment.

Causes

As with many other mental illnesses, social anxiety disorder probably arises from a complex interaction between biological and environmental factors. The Meadowglade mental health specialists share the possible causes:

• Hereditary traits.

• Brain structure.

•The environment.

Risk factor's

Several factors can increase the risk of contracting social anxiety disorder, including:

•Family background.

• Negative experiences.

• Character.

• New social or labor demands.

• Have an appearance or illness that attracts attention.

Complications

Psychologists from The Meadowglade specify that if left untreated, social anxiety disorder can control your life. Anxiety can interfere with work, study, relationships or the ability to enjoy life. Social anxiety disorder can cause:

•Low self-esteem

• Problems to act assertively

• Negative internal dialogue

• Critical hypersensitivity

• Poor social skills

• Isolation and difficult social relationships

• Poor academic and professional achievements

• Substance abuse, for example, drinking too much alcohol

• Suicide or suicide attempts

Often, with social anxiety disorder, other anxiety disorders and certain mental health disorders can occur, especially major depressive disorder and substance abuse problems.

When to consult the doctor

Check with your doctor or mental health professional if you fear or avoid normal social situations because they cause you discomfort, anguish or panic. The Meadowglade is a rehabilitation center, which specializes in mental health and eating disorders. This center has been rated by clients as an excellent.

The Meadowglade professional team has many years of experience in the fields of adult mental health and adult eating disorders. This center’s team is comprised of doctoral level medical healthcare professionals, mental health specialists and therapists, and eating disorder practitioners and therapists. Moreover, they offer a program that provides 24 hour support aides on site and a range of dedicated activities’ and coaching staff.