The Facts On Social Anxiety Disorder

By Candace Martin

Social anxiety disorder is also referred to as social phobia and is a health condition in which an individual is inexplicably fearful of social situations. The anxiety and acute self consciousness arise from fear of the judgement, close observation, and criticism of other people. Someone with this type of disorder is frightened that he or she will do something to humiliate themselves around others. Inadequate social skills or not being accustomed to various social situations can make matters even worse.

Sometimes anxiety progresses into a panic attack. For that reason, people who are afflicted with this condition will either be tremendously uneasy in any sort of social situation or will simply steer clear of them entirely. It isn't unusual for people who experience social anxiety disorder to also have what is called anticipatory anxiety. This is essentially the fear that something will transpire before it actually does, and this feeling can begin many days or even weeks before a specific social occasion is to take place. Usually, the one that has these concerns knows that their terror is uncalled for, but they are still unable to rise above it.

This kind of anxiety disorder alters your way of thinking to incorporate false or extremely inflated beliefs in relation to all sorts of social situations and the negative thoughts of other people. With no professional treatment, social anxiety disorder can interfere with an individual's usual day to day routine, including school, work, social pursuits, and relationships with other people.

With a minor case of this disorder, the individual might be terrified of a specific set of circumstances, like having to make a presentation or talk. But in most instances, the anxiety includes several kinds of situations: being around others when having a meal, working or writing; being in the spotlight; socializing with others, for instance going on a date or going to social gatherings; using public toilets; and in some cases talking on the telephone.

Social anxiety disorder is often linked to other mental disorders, like obsessive compulsive disorder, depression or panic disorder. Indeed, many people with this condition first seek help for complaints having to do with these other disorders, not as a result of their problems related to social anxiety disorder.

If your anxiety starts to have control of your life, affecting your personal relationships or your productiveness, it is advisable to talk to your physician regarding treatment. Your health care provider will almost certainly recommend a prescription drug that changes the chemicals in your brain to relieve most of the disturbing symptoms of social anxiety disorder. In addition to this, doctors usually prescribe talk therapy with a specialist who works with you to modify the mental processes that cause the concern, stress and apprehension that often go together with anxiety. - 32530

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