Social phobia, better known as social anxiety disorder (SAD), is a disorder that involves an immense fear of social situations and interactions. This disorder is fairly common in adolescents and often disappears as they mature, but for some it can continue into adulthood and can have a major impact on the way patients live their lives.
It is often associated with other mental health problems, such as depression and body dysmorphic disorder.
Much more than shyness, social anxiety is an intense fear that can be experienced before, during and after a social situation. It can affect a person’s confidence and the way they go about their daily life. Typical symptoms are:
- Dreading everyday social interactions, such as initiating conversations, phone calls, going to work, shopping, or meeting strangers
- Avoiding social activities such as going out with friends or partying
- Avoiding eye contact
- Fearing criticism
- Feeling that they are being watched and/or judged when they are around people and, as a result, find it difficult to get things done
- Physical symptoms, e.g., nausea, sweating, tremors, rapid heart rate
- Panic attacks
Social phobia is a disorder that involves an immense fear of social situations and interactions.
The specialist may explore the patient’s medical history for past disorders related to social anxiety and will need some descriptions from the patient’s family, friends and peers in order to make a correct diagnosis.
What causes SAD?
There is still debate as to what actually causes social phobia and research is still ongoing. It is generally believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of SAD. It appears that in general, the condition begins at a certain point in the individual’s life and will worsen over time if left untreated.
Social events in the patient’s life, especially if they are traumatic or humiliating, may be related to the development of social anxiety disorder. In other cases, certain cultural attitudes, psychological factors and substance abuse may also contribute.
How can it be prevented?
Although events such as childhood bullying or lack of peer acceptance have been linked to social anxiety disorder, there are many possible causes and most are difficult or impossible to prevent. However, there are methods to overcome social phobia.
What is the treatment?
If you think you have social anxiety and it is affecting your life, the first step should be to visit your doctor or a specialist. They will assess your situation by asking you about your thoughts and feelings and will guide you in the best possible way to solve the problem.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often recommended to help teach the patient to move away from the negative thought patterns that influence their anxiety. Depending on the case, other types of psychotherapy or medication in the form of antidepressants may be recommended.
Although the condition is rarely cured, there are several self-help techniques that can help patients manage SAD, and several support groups, such as Anxiety UK, among others, that offer help to those who need it.As each patient is different, it is advisable to consult a physician before deciding on treatment.
Which specialist treats it?
The specialist who treats social phobia is the Psychologist. From Top Doctors you will be able to make an appointment at the moment to consult with the specialist who best suits your situation.