Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Overview
It can be challenging when we feel shy or self-conscious in social situations. You may wonder if you are shy and self-conscious or experiencing social anxiety. There are many ways that people can feel shy—from being nervous to feeling awkward. But if you have social anxiety, your fear of being around others has become more significant, affecting your everyday routine. For example, you may be so afraid of making mistakes or saying the wrong thing that you avoid situations where other people might be present. This can make it hard to get close to friends or family members and make even simple tasks like talking with your boss seem impossible.
Being shy is entirely different from having social anxiety. Shyness can be overcome with practice and experience. Social anxiety is a mental health condition that may have started in childhood or from traumatic experiences and can be treated with therapy and, if warranted, medication. The good news is social anxiety is treatable.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is a common disorder characterized by intense fear, nervousness, and discomfort in social situations. Socializing with others can be difficult with this condition, especially in front of people, for fear of being judged or ridiculed, which causes you to avoid certain situations or places. It's important to understand that this fear is not a choice or a matter of simply “not having what it takes” to be in social situations. Social anxiety disorder is a medical condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder?
The symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder may vary and can be hard to deal with in everyday situations. However, some of the common symptoms are (1):
Fear of embarrassment or humiliation by other people
Fear of public speaking
Intense fear or anxiety in response to social situations that involve being exposed to the evaluation, judgment, or scrutiny of others.
Avoidance that persists and causes significant stress and ability to function
Avoid most social situations altogether or endure them with intense fear and anxiety.
What are the Main Causes of Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder makes it difficult for you to interact with people. It can cause you to feel nervous and stressed in social situations, or when you are surrounded by people, you are not familiar with. It makes you feel uncomfortable and makes it hard to relax. The causes of social anxiety disorder may vary from person to person. However, the most common causes include (2):
Genetics. These are inherited traits that may run in families. However, it is unclear whether genetic factors contribute to anxiety disorder.
Brain chemistry. A part of the brain known as the amygdala plays a role in physiological changes related to the "flight-or-fight" response that plays a role in controlling fear.
Environmental factors. Traumatic and stressful life experiences during childhood may increase the risk of social anxiety. These include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; family conflicts such as neglect and divorce; and peer bullying in their younger years.
What Triggers Social Anxiety?
Different situations and experiences can trigger social anxiety. However, those suffering from this disorder may show no fear when interacting with people they know or trust. But other situations that can evoke extreme distress include:
Social Events
Meeting new people
Authority figures
Criticisms
Public speaking
Being asked to speak in front of an audience
Performance Situation
Can Social Anxiety Be Cured?
There are several ways in which Social Anxiety can be treated:
Psychotherapy
If trying to do the natural way of dealing with social anxiety does not work and becomes too overwhelming, then it's time to talk to a mental health professional so you can be provided the proper treatment. One type of treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In CBT, the therapist works with the individual to gradually develop coping strategies and exposure techniques to confront and overcome social fears.
Medication
A medical prescriber may suggest antidepressants to treat your social anxiety disorder. In addition, some providers may prescribe drugs like SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Antidepressants called SNRIs (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) may also be suggested by a prescriber, which can help reduce symptoms of social anxiety. It is important to consult a doctor or another medication prescriber to determine which medication is best for you, as it can have side effects and should be monitored closely. (3)
Alternative Options
Some options include yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness techniques that can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental health. These techniques aim to cultivate awareness and attention to the present moment without judgment or distraction. (4)
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes create a positive impact on your daily life. These can include (5):
Regular exercise helps increase the production of endorphins in the brain, which help regulate mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
A balanced diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote a stable mood.
Good sleep habits can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Limit caffeine and sugar intake. Caffeine and sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and might trigger panic attacks and nervousness.
Practice being social, like talking to people, making eye contact when talking to someone, and practicing conversation starters so you can gradually accept invitations to some social events.
How long does it take to cure social anxiety?
Treatment for social anxiety may take weeks to several months for symptoms to improve noticeably. (6)
The length of social anxiety disorder treatment can vary depending on factors like the individual's level of symptom severity, their response to treatment, and their commitment to following through with treatment. Ongoing maintenance and support, such as continuing therapy or practicing coping strategies, may also be necessary to prevent relapse and maintain progress.
When to Seek a Professional Help
Social anxiety can significantly disrupt and affect your daily life. Here are some signs that you need to seek a health professional help.
If you worry excessively about social situations or events that lead to extreme anxiety.
If it is causing you to avoid social situations at school, work, or even interaction with friends and family and making it difficult to attend social events.
If it is causing you physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, or rapid heartbeat.
When it interferes with your ability to carry out daily activities and responsibilities.
In conclusion, social anxiety can affect one’s daily life. But with the proper treatment and understanding of this type of disorder, individuals will learn how to cope and overcome their fears in social situations. Seek a mental health professional to help diagnose the condition so they can create a perfect treatment plan according to one’s needs and situation. Remember, social anxiety can be treated, and with the proper support and resources, individuals can learn to navigate social situations confidently and efficiently. And remember, you are not alone; we at the Phoenix Rising Centers are here for you and have providers that can help.
References:
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. [online]. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561..
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. [online] mayoclinic.org. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561 [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].
Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder. [online] webmd.com. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/treatments-social-anxiety-disorder [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].
MPH, Y. (2022). Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment Options. [online] healthline.com. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/social-anxiety-treatment#alternative-options [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].
MPH, Y. (2022). Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment Options. [online] healthline.com. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/social-anxiety-treatment#how-to-choose [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. [online]. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353567#:~:text=To%20reduce%20the%20risk%20of,your%20symptoms%20to%20noticeably%20improve...