Social Anxiety can be described as a feeling of fear or dread that arises because of a social situation, intense shyness, guilt and shame. Social Anxiety may be felt before a situation in anticipation of it, during a social interaction or afterwards, as the sufferer over-analyses the interaction and feels ashamed or guilty about what happened. Some people decide to completely avoid all social interaction, this is called Social Phobia.
Social Anxiety Disorder symptoms are just like any those for any other aspect of generalized anxiety disorder in many ways. The physical symptoms are often the same: palpitations, hyperventilation, muscle tension, nausea and vertigo. In some cases however a social anxiety sufferer may blush or stammer uncontrollably. In some cases they may even freeze, and be unable to speak.
Treatment for Social Anxiety
As Social Anxiety is caused by faulty thinking and physical symptoms that lead back into those faulty thinking patterns in a vicious circle the first line psychological treatment is often Cognitive behavior Therapy. With CBT a therapists will help you identify faulty thinking patterns or individual beliefs and then correct them or rationalize them.
The therapist will also teach some relaxation techniques to break the flight or fight cycle. CBT can be very effective and is often easily available although it can be expensive if you are not insured. There are many good books on the subject which can be as worthwhile as seeing a professional and much cheaper.
Doctors will often also prescribe drugs. Medication for Social Anxiety often takes the form of SSRI’s such as Citalopram (Celexa). These work by increasing Serotonin levels in the brain and improving mood and confidence.
Another type of drug that can be prescribed for social anxiety is a beta-blocker like Inderal. It doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier sand therefore doesn’t effect mood but can be good for Social Anxiety because it blocks some of the adrenaline and therefore lessens the physical symptoms. This allows the sufferer to build confidence.
One vitamin, niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3, has been found in high doses to be beneficial for social anxiety. Scientists are divided over how it works and indeed if it works. On the consumer health rating site Revolution Health, readers have praised it’s effectiveness so it might be worth investigation and talking over with a doctor. There are safety concerns over taking high doses of Niacinamide.
Generally there is a good chance of a positive outlook for people with social anxiety. The numerous treatments available have a good chance of success and your doctor should be your first line of attack.
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