Social Anxiety: Frequently Asked Questions
What causes social anxiety disorder?
The exact cause of social anxiety disorder is not known but scientists believe that it may be caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters . Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers of the brain that allow cells to communicate with each other. Norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) are such neurotransmitters. An imbalance of these chemicals is thought to affect the symptoms of anxiety. ...
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Doctors don't know what causes social anxiety disorder. They think it may run in families, but they are not sure if it's because of genetics or a response to a traumatic situation.
Source: www.med.nyu.edu
How common is social anxiety disorder?
At any given time approximately 5 million people in the United States suffer from social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is almost twice as common in women than men, but this result may be due to the fact that fewer men are willing to seek medical treatment. Symptoms most commonly appear for the first time in people in their childhood or early teenage years.
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What is social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is a medical condition. Social anxiety disorder also known as social phobia is characterized by overpowering worry or fear of social or public situations that interferes with daily life. The anxiety may be about public speaking, meeting new people, dating, interacting with authority figures or any activity that may draw attention to you. Some people may have one specific activity which they fear while others may fear any potential social or public interaction. ...
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People with social anxiety disorder (or social phobia) are extremely anxious about what they will say or do in front of other people. This includes public speaking and day-to-day social situations. But it is more than just being shy or nervous before public speaking. The fear can begin weeks or months before an event. It can cause a fast heartbeat and make it hard to focus. Some people fear only one or a few types of social situations. For other people, many situations cause stress. This problem affects your daily life. ...
Source: www.med.nyu.edu
What is the treatment used in Social Anxiety Disorder?
There are many treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder, but those most frequently used are in the categories of medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Several types of medication and of psychotherapy approaches are used.
Are families affected by an individual's social anxiety disorder?
In addition to sharing the somewhat increased risk of developing social anxiety disorder, family members may be asked (or even coerced) to give up social activities or to attend them alone, leaving the socially anxious person at home. However, permitting the affected family member to avoid appropriate family functions and responsibilities may actually make the problem worse. Those who give up social contacts are missing the possible benefits of naturally occurring behavior therapy. ...
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
Are any of the social anxiety disorder medications addictive?
The only class of social anxiety medications that could be of concern are the benzodiazepines, and this would be a problem for only a very few people (those who have a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse). Most people who take benzodiazepines use them in the prescribed amounts for an appropriate medical indication. It is important to realize that physical dependence (not addiction) is common with regular use of benzodiazepines. If they are stopped too rapidly, unpleasant physical withdrawal symptoms can occur. ...
Source: socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org
What are the signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder?
The main signs of social anxiety disorder are constant, overpowering worry and fear of one or more social or public situations. These symptoms interfere with daily life and may be accompanied by the following additional symptoms: 1. Avoiding social situations due to intense anxiety or fear. 2. Intense fear and anxiety that leads to panic attacks. 3. Intense self-consciousness or feelings of being scrutinized in public situations. ...
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Will I ever outgrow social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety disorder usually begins in adolescence and is often most severe in the late teens and the 20s. In 25% of individuals it begins in early childhood. Most people learn early how to avoid stressful social situations, thereby temporarily decreasing their anxiety. Over time, though, this leads to relative social isolation. Research indicates that social anxiety disorder, when left untreated, tends to become chronic. For a few there may be some improvement with age, but rarely does it disappear completely. ...
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
Can traumatic events cause social anxiety disorder?
Traumatic events seem to increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder. People with social anxiety disorder are twice as likely to have experienced trauma as a child. Many people who experience traumatic events develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and they are much more likely to develop depression or social anxiety. However, many people with social anxiety disorder have never experienced a traumatic event. Trauma may be a trigger in some people who have a predisposition for social anxiety disorder.
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
Traumatic events seem to increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder. People with social anxiety disorder are twice as likely to have experienced trauma as a child. Many people who experience traumatic events develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and they are much more likely to develop depression or social anxiety. However, many people with social anxiety disorder have never experienced a traumatic event. Trauma may be a trigger in some people who have a predisposition for social anxiety disorder. ...
Source: socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org
Will social anxiety disorder damage my health?
Many people with social anxiety disorder have suffered anxiety in social situations for decades without apparent injury to their health or development of the high blood pressure, ulcers, asthma or other physical disorders that are commonly (but erroneously) thought to result from stress. It is our strong impression that social anxiety disorder alone does not cause physical illnesses and does not shorten people's lives. ...
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
Can yoga help with social anxiety?
Stress and anxiety levels can be drastically reduced by Yoga practice. A stronger sense of self is built with regular practice, and over time this increased confidence and well-being can reduce or nullify feelings of anxiety. Nadi Shodhana, which is a breathing technique, can help alleviate the symptoms of an anxiety attack. You may also become more able to observe the factors that lead to an anxiety attack, and deal with them before the symptoms escalate. There can be significant improvement within months.
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Will they ever outgrow social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety disorder usually begins in adolescence and is often most severe in the late teens and the 20s. In 25% of individuals it begins in early childhood. Most people learn early how to avoid stressful social situations, thereby temporarily decreasing their anxiety. Over time, though, this leads to relative social isolation. Research indicates that social anxiety disorder, when left untreated, tends to become chronic. For a few there may be some improvement with age, but rarely does it disappear completely. ...
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
Can Family Constellations help with social anxiety disorder?
It can certainly release you from the entanglements that may be causing this condition.
Source: www.familyconstellations.com.au
Which social anxiety disorder medication is best?
There is no "best" medication; it varies from person to person. Factors that influence the choice of a medication include both the patient's and the clinician's past experience with the medication, its side effects profile, and its compatibility with associated medical problems and medications. At present, fluvoxamine CR (Luvox CR), paroxetine (Paxil), paroxetine CR (Paxil CR), sertraline (Zoloft) and venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) have received FDA approval for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. ...
Source: socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org
What if my social anxiety disorder occurs only on rare occasions such as at a special event where I am performing?
This problem is relatively common, especially among professional performers. The treatment for performance-type social anxiety disorder differs from generalized social anxiety disorder. The first line of treatment is gradual exposure therapy.
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
This problem is relatively common, especially among professional performers. The treatment for performance-type social anxiety disorder differs from generalized social anxiety disorder. The first line of treatment is gradual exposure therapy. A good example of a successful program that accomplishes this exposure therapy is the Toastmasters International program (www.toastmasters.org). Some people prefer to treat their performance anxiety with medication. ...
Source: socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org
Do Histories of Humiliation Lead to Social Anxiety Disorder?
Humiliating experiences, especially in public, or if they come to public knowledge and are repeated, potentially contain elements capable of generating a Social Anxiety nucleus . On the one hand, humiliation, not necessarily physical aggression (it may be just verbal), contributes to self-depreciation and self-devaluing. On the other hand, the action of the one who humiliates contributes to the humiliated person’s formation of the concept of the "other" as strong and aggressive. ...
Will social anxiety disorder damage my child's health?
Many people with social anxiety disorder have suffered anxiety in social situations for decades without apparent injury to their health or development of the high blood pressure, ulcers, asthma or other physical disorders that are commonly (but erroneously) thought to result from stress. It is our strong impression that social anxiety disorder alone does not cause physical illnesses and does not shorten people's lives. ...
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
Are other family members affected by one child's individual social anxiety disorder?
In addition to sharing the somewhat increased risk of developing social anxiety disorder, family members may be asked (or even coerced) to give up social activities or to attend them alone, leaving the socially anxious person at home. However, permitting the affected family member to avoid appropriate family functions and responsibilities may actually make the problem worse. Those who give up social contacts are missing the possible benefits of naturally occurring behavior therapy. ...
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
What's the difference between the Emetophobia Eraser program and other programs for social anxiety or panic attacks?
Specialization. Our program is not developed for any other type of phobia and is tailored specifically for emetophobia to bring you the fastest results. It was created by people that have actually overcame their own phobia and understand the struggle, as well as what really works and what doesn't. We only care about one thing, what works to get you back to your life without this debilitating fear.
Source: www.emetophobiaeraser.com
Is the Mater Hospital Social Anxiety Programme helpful for other anxiety disorders, e.g., general anxiety or panic attacks or stress?
Our programme is very specifically designed to offer very specific assistance for individuals who are struggling with social anxiety (sometimes referred to as social phobia). It would NOT be helpful for individuals struggling with other anxiety disorders – e.g., general anxiety, simple phobias, agoraphobia, panic attacks or disorder, obsessional compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder – or ‘stress’. ...
Source: www.socialanxietyireland.com
Do social anxiety disorder medications help get a person's life back in order?
While medications can help reduce symptoms of social anxiety, they are not "cure-alls. " Personal problems resulting from social anxiety symptoms may continue to exist and unrelated life problems are unlikely to be helped by these medications. Psychotherapy or other forms of counseling may be helpful in dealing with such difficulties, but it is important that such adjunctive therapy be undertaken within the context of social anxiety disorder so as not to conflict with the primary treatment.
Source: socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org
Will Conversation Charisma work for me even if I am extremely shy or suffer from social anxiety?
Yes! In the Conversation Charisma series of books we address shyness with our “three pronged attack on shyness” We believe that the clinically proven method of addressing your inner thought processes, learning conversation skills, and applying those skills through a step by step exposure methodology that anyone can overcome shyness and social anxiety and live to your full potential!
Source: www.conversationcharisma.com
What if my child's social anxiety disorder occurs only on rare occasions such as at a special event where I am performing?
This problem is relatively common. The treatment for performance-type social anxiety disorder differs from generalized social anxiety disorder. The first line of treatment is gradual exposure therapy.
Source: www.thehealthcenter.info
How is social anxiety disorder diagnosed?
To diagnose social anxiety disorder, your doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. He or she may ask other questions to see how you are doing emotionally. This is called a mental health assessment. Your doctor may also do blood or urine tests to rule out other conditions, such as thyroid problems that can cause similar symptoms.
Source: www.med.nyu.edu
Must a person change their lifestyle while taking social anxiety disorder medication?
A healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and exercise, can benefit any course of treatment. But, most social anxiety medications require few special adjustments by most people. In general, any diet is compatible with these except for the MAOIs. Certain foods and beverages must be avoided if you are taking an MAOI. (Consult your doctor! ) Social anxiety medications should not interfere with exercise. Although fluid replacement is important during and after exercise, extra salt is seldom needed. ...
Source: socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org
I suffer from social anxiety, despite trying several kinds of medication, nothing really helps me. Can Yoga help?
In general, the combined practice of Yoga postures, meditation and pranayama helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. It also helps build feelings of confidence and well-being and creates a stronger sense of self, all of which can help reduce levels of social anxiety. Yoga also teaches greater self-awareness of mind and body. With practice, you may begin to sense the conditions that lead up to an attack and deal with them before they get out of control. It's important to start and maintain a regular practice. ...
