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 social anxiety disorder
ABOUT/DESCRIPTION
Social Anxiety Disorders, also known as Social Phobia, is marked by significant and persistent anxiety about being embarrassed/ridiculed in one or more social situations. Individuals suffering from Social Phobia believe 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 (the triggering 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, the Social Phobic is 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…" 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. In contrast, the Social Phobic knows that their fear of personal scrutiny is exaggerated and irrational given the circumstances, nonetheless the anxiety and overwhelming fear persists. Anticipatory anxiety is common; the Social Phobic will often ruminate for weeks prior to an engagement associated with their feared stimulus. Physical symptoms often include intense nervousness and fear, blushing, dizziness, sweating, heart palpitations, diarrhea, and other symptoms commonly associated with anxiety. According to figures provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, Social Phobia affects over 5 million American adults annually (more than one source put this number somewhere between 15-20 million Americans). Social Phobia normally first appears in childhood or adolescence. As with all Anxiety Disorders, 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 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 focused and conducive to change. It is an action oriented form of therapy based on the premise that bad or faulty thinking patterns cause negative emotions and negative behaviors. This treatment teaches people 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. In fact, when treated solely with medications, once the medication is discontinued the symptoms of Social Phobia often quickly return. |