Social anxiety is one of the most common emotional/mental illnesses. It is also one of the least reported. Due to its ubiquity and propensity to seriously impair life, social anxiety disorder (SAD, which is distinct from seasonal affective disorder) requires a "need to know" page on Chipur.
Everything has an obvious "why" to it. For the afflicted, acknowledging their suffering is essential. What could be more terrible than going through an unknown, nameless hell?
What is social anxiety disorder?
I believe the best place to start when attempting to depict SAD is by summarizing the main features of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as provided by the American Psychiatric Association.
SAD, then, is a chronic fear of one or more social or performance contexts where unfamiliar individuals might confront the individual or might come under public attention.
The individual then begins to fear that their behavior or anxiety symptoms will make them appear silly or ashamed. Considering the significance of the situation, there is a good chance that coming across the feared situation may result in quite rapid and severe anxiety. Panic episodes and intrusive anxiety are not impossible.
The bothersome thing is that the individual knows the excessive concern is unwarranted. However, the feared scenarios are avoided or experienced while gritting one's teeth in intense fear. Some decide on a nearby spravato treatment facility.
Ultimately, avoidance, nervous anticipation, pain, etc. substantially impair day-to-day functioning and quality of life. If you've ever been, you know how horrible it is.
Many people with SAD have been characterized as being withdrawn, quiet, shy, nervous, distant, and disagreeable emotionally. The vast majority of individuals with SAD are the exact opposite. Furthermore, their condition is the cause of the misperception and distortion.
Physical manifestations and Contributing Factors of Social Anxiety Disorder
It's important to comprehend some of the common causes of SAD. Let's get started:
- Make an introduction to other people
- being the center of attention
- being made fun of or given criticism
- being observed while working on a task
- Public speaking in any format
- engaging with influential people
- speaking, writing, and utilizing a phone in public
- confronting someone face-to-face
And now for a few common physical attributes:
- accelerated heart rate
- profuse sweating
- blushing
- Mouth and throat are dry
- muscles jerking and trembling
Last but not least, the symptoms of SAD closely resemble those of agoraphobia and/or panic disorder. Don't let this fool you, though—there are significant differences.
How is the illness known as social anxiety treated?
I'm here to inform you that SAD is a treatable illness that has promising outcomes. Before seeking a diagnosis and treatment, however, one needs to be conscious that there is a problem and that it is time for the suffering to end.
Unfortunately, just like so many people with anxiety disorders, those with SAD often choose to accept things as they are and push through life. If that's you, please consider it and tell an expert about your story. You'll most likely be glad you did.
For SAD, cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment. Effective strategies include exposure, social skill development, and cognitive restructuring. Collaborating in teams has several advantages. Other often-used techniques include acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and psychoanalysis.
As with any emotional or mental health problem, medication can aid in the management of SAD. However, medication alone is rarely the answer, so if you're thinking about quitting therapy, don't expect too much from it.
Antidepressants are the first line of treatment for SAD, which is not surprising. The FDA has approved venlafaxine, paroxetine, and sertraline. It's yours now. Please keep in mind that medication plus treatment-resistant depression is always the best course of action.
