According to the American Psychiatric Association, social anxiety, clinically referred to as social anxiety disorder, is a persistent fear of one or multiple social situations where the person may be exposed to strangers or criticism by others. The person has an intense fear that his behavior or lack of behavior will render extreme embarrassment or humiliation. For example, many people have a fear of public speaking. Some fear is natural. Those with social anxiety have extreme physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain that is caused by their fear. Social anxiety can be extremely disruptive to everyday life without proper treatment or without learning proper coping skills.
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common method of treatment for social anxiety and is used with almost 75 percent of diagnosed patients, states Mayo Clinic. CBT may be implemented in a group setting with other patients or one-on-one with the patient and therapist. CBT focuses on empowering the patient to take control of her thoughts and challenging her irrational thoughts about the fear. Exposure therapy is another commonly used approach that "exposes" the patient to the trigger repeatedly, in a safe and supportive environment, to help her reduce anxiety and feel more comfortable approaching the triggering situation or environment. Continuous exposure over time helps the patient to become more familiar with a potential trigger, in a controlled situation, as she learns techniques to calm anxiety.
Medications
Moderate or severe cases of social anxiety are treated with medications. Selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medication for social anxiety, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. SSRIs are antidepressants that work to increase seratonin, thereby balancing moods and emotions. Examples of SSRIs include paroxetine sold as Paxil, sertraline sold as Zoloft, fluvoxamine sold as Luvox or fluoxetrine sold as Prozac. The Mayo Clinic indicates that some doctors prescribe SNRIs (seratonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as venlafaxine, also known as Effexor. SNRIs work the same as SSRIs but seek to increase both seratonin and norepinephrine. Be aware that although medications are effective, it can take up to three months of consistent treatment to see an improvement in symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to the treatment methods mentioned, patients should attempt to manage anxiety in everyday life as well. Try not to avoid your triggering situation, and prepare yourself in a positive way to face what is challenging you. For example, if you have anxiety about public speaking, consider taking a public-speaking class or joining an organization such as Toastmaster's to become more comfortable with public speaking in a supportive environment.
For some, anxiety related to their triggers arises often but doesn't prompt a full attack. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can help to address anxiety immediately before it escalates.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Social Anxiety Disorder
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Social Anxiety
- American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition
