Social Anxiety Disorder

Most people feel anxious in social situations from time to time. Giving a presentation at work, going on a first date, and many other social situations can make people nervous.

However, some people experience social anxiety that can impact their functioning and quality of life. People with social anxiety disorder (sometimes called social phobia) may feel self-conscious or anxious during everyday social interactions. They may dread everyday activities like going to the grocery store or work. 

People with symptoms of social anxiety disorder may avoid social situations or live with chronic anxiety. They may struggle to function or maintain healthy relationships. Fortunately, social anxiety disorder responds well to evidence-based mental health treatment. 

This article will explore social anxiety disorder and its treatment. You will learn:

• The symptoms of social anxiety disorder
• What may cause social anxiety disorder
• How to identify and treat social anxiety disorder
• Where to find treatment for social anxiety disorder

If you or someone you love experiences symptoms of social anxiety disorder, you are not alone. Effective, compassionate mental health treatment is available at Agape Behavioral Center. Contact our intake specialists for information about our programs or to schedule an intake assessment. 

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition affecting an estimated 7.1% of U.S adults. Some may also refer to this condition as “social phobia.” This condition causes people to feel anxious in everyday social situations. It is different than simply being shy or uncomfortable around others. 

Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxiety and fear in social situations. This fear can lead to avoidance of all social situations. Avoiding social situations can significantly impact a person’s relationships, work, daily routines, and more. 

Some scenarios that are challenging for people with social anxiety disorder include:

• Talking to people they don’t know
• Going to parties or meetings
• Attending school or going to work
• Dating
• Eating in front of others
• Using a public bathroom
• Sustaining appropriate eye contact
• Entering a social gathering
• Interacting with retail workers
• Starting a conversation

Many people begin to exhibit symptoms of social anxiety disorder during their teenage years. However, younger children or adults may show signs of the condition. 

What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?

Mental health conditions often have complex roots in a person’s genetics, behaviors, and more. Research suggests several potential causes of social anxiety disorder, including:

• Genetics: Mental health experts believe anxiety disorders have a genetic component. Having a close family member with an anxiety disorder increases a person’s risk of developing the same condition.
• Environment: Some people may develop anxiety after experiencing intense embarrassment or fear in a social setting. Research also suggests that parents who model anxious behaviors are more likely to have children who develop anxiety. 
• Brain structure: Researchers believe a part of the brain called the amygdala may be responsible for anxiety disorders. People with an overactive amygdala may have a more intense response to fear. This can lead to increased social anxiety. 

What are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, social anxiety disorder can have emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Fear of others judging you
• Intense anxiety when talking with strangers
• Worrying about doing something embarrassing
• Anxiety that you will have embarrassing physical symptoms, such as blushing, sweating, or trembling
• Worrying that others can tell that you’re anxious
• Re-playing social interactions in your mind to find flaws
• Expecting the worst outcomes from social interactions
• Anxiety before a social situation
• Avoiding any situation where you may be the center of attention, such as having people publicly acknowledge your birthday
• Avoiding situations where you may need to interact with people you don’t know

People may have physical fear and anxiety symptoms in social situations, including:

• Sweating
• Blushing
• Racing heart
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Difficulty catching your breath
• Tense muscles
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Struggling to think clearly

These symptoms–and fear of experiencing these symptoms–can make people with social anxiety disorder avoid social situations. This condition can negatively impact people’s social and emotional well-being. 

Fortunately, social anxiety disorder is a treatable condition. People can learn to manage their symptoms and improve functioning.

Exploring Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder

Treatment for social anxiety disorder typically includes assessment, medications, and talk therapy. 

Medications

Doctors may prescribe medications to help people manage their symptoms. Common anti-anxiety medications include:

• Beta-blockers
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Benzodiazepines

People must work with a licensed mental health professional to determine the best medication. People may try more than one prescription drug to find the one with minimal side effects. 

Talk therapy

People with anxiety disorders benefit from participating in talk therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapies can help people identify and change negative thoughts. It also gives people a safe place to process emotions and learn new coping skills. 

People may participate in one-on-one therapy or support groups for those with anxiety. 

Find Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder Now

If you or someone you love struggles with social anxiety or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at Agape Behavioral Center to learn about our anxiety treatment programs or schedule an appointment. 

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Social Anxiety Disorder
2. Yale Medicine: Social Anxiety Disorder
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Social Anxiety Disorder: Recognition, Assessment and Treatment