Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Individuals suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) feel that people are constantly watching them, judging them – just waiting for them to make some kind of embarrassing mistake. The degree of discomfort is such that the individual will avoid certain social situations (trigger stimulus) altogether, situations like public speaking, eating out at a restaurant, or using a pubic restroom. Interacting with perceived figures of authority such as a supervisor at work is also a source of extreme discomfort. Instead of focusing on the conversation and the exchange of ideas, those with Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) are internally ruminating, “Don’t say something foolish… Does he notice I am blushing…? My voice sounds nervous… I know I’m going to forget what to say…”Physical symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) may include intense nervousness and fear, blushing, dizziness, sweating, heart palpitations, diarrhea, and other symptoms commonly associated with anxiety.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) is Not Shyness
While akin to shyness, Social Phobia is very different in that a shy person might feel uncomfortable in a particular social setting, however, he or she would not likely characterize their level of discomfort as ‘disabling’ nor go to extremes to avoid their feared stimulus. They know their fear of personal scrutiny is exaggerated and irrational given the circumstances. Nonetheless the anxiety and fear persist overwhelmingly for those suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia).Anticipatory anxiety is common; the person with Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) will often ruminate for weeks prior to an engagement associated with their feared stimulus.
Quick Facts about Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
According to figures provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) affects over 5 million American adults annually. More than one source puts this number somewhere between 15-20 million Americans.Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) normally appears in childhood or adolescence.
Techniques for Treating Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
As with all Anxiety Disorders, Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) is typically treated with medications, therapy, or a combination the two. However, the most researched, clinically proven, and recommended form of treatment therapy is probably cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is simply an integration of the cognitive (thought) restructuring approach of traditional cognitive therapy and the behavior modification techniques of traditional behavioral therapy.CBT is a structured, short-term therapy that that is very goal oriented and conducive to change. It is an action based form of therapy based on the premise that bad or faulty thinking patterns cause negative emotions and negative behaviors. This treatment teaches people with Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) to understand and change their thinking patterns so they can change their behavior and emotional state. CBT teaches the individual to think and respond differently in situations that cause anxiety.
Research studies have concluded that CBT is much more effective than medications in preventing relapse of Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia). In fact, when treated solely with medications, once the medication is discontinued the symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) quickly return.
