SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (sometimes referred to as social phobia)
can cause overwhelming anxiety during social interactions or
when thinking about social interactions. This anxiety is typically
described as a feeling of self-consciousness, perceived judgment
from others, or feeling that you are being scrutinized by others.
With the right support and coping strategies, these anxious
thoughts and feelings can be managed so you can live a more
confident, fulfilling life.
Compassionate Care
Evidence-Based Treatment
Telepsychiatry from Home
Personalized Support
Common Characteristics and Symptoms
Those with social anxiety disorder may appear shy, quiet, and withdrawn. It is not that they wish to avoid interactions or relationships with others, they just have more difficulty cultivating them due to their social anxiety. There is no one clear cause of social anxiety, though the disorder may be influenced by difficulty with social skills, misreading of facial signals and body positioning from others and a family history of social phobia (which may point to a possible genetic contribution).
- Individuals with social anxiety often experience physical reactions such as blushing, fidgeting, sweating, rapid heartbeat, stiff posture, speaking softly, or feeling nauseous. These reactions can occur even when nothing bad is likely to happen.
Symptoms can occur in many situations, such as:
- New introductions
- Going to school or work
- Speaking, writing, or talking on the phone in public
- Eating in front of others
- Making eye contact
- Dating
- Going to school or work
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," helps you explore triggering situations and develop healthy ways to cope. It can help you understand your triggers, build coping skills, and reduce the overall severity of your reactions.
Medication
Medications can help manage symptoms. The right option depends on your unique symptoms and their severity.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Options for short-term or ong-term use. Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin) are not first-line treatments as they may lead to dependence or worsen anxiety over time.
- Beta-blockers: Often used for performance anxiety to reduce physical symptoms and reactions
- Antidepressants: Available in many forms and may take a few weeks to work. Effects vary by individual, so open communication is key.
Schedule an Appointment for Testing & Treatment in Texas and Washington State
No two patients are alike, which is why Melaine takes an individualized approach to each patient she treats. If you have been struggling to focus in school, at work, better and at home Call Us Today
(469) 389-0960